Stargazers across Australia are in for a spectacular start to 2026, with the year's first full moon set to dominate the night sky as a dramatic supermoon. This lunar event, known as the Wolf Moon, will reach its peak on Saturday and marks the fourth consecutive supermoon in a series.
A Supermoon and the Mysterious Moon Illusion
The Wolf Moon will coincide with the moon's closest approach to Earth, making it appear significantly larger and brighter than a typical full moon. For the best view, astronomers recommend looking towards the horizon at dusk. This timing leverages a fascinating trick of perception known as the Moon Illusion, which makes the moon appear enormous when it is low in the sky compared to when it is high overhead.
NASA specialist Preston Dyches explains that one common theory suggests our brains compare the moon to foreground objects like trees or buildings, unconsciously exaggerating its size. However, this explanation isn't complete. "NASA astronauts in orbit also see the Moon illusion, and they have no foreground objects to act as distance clues," Dyches noted, indicating the phenomenon is not yet fully understood.
The Story Behind the "Wolf Moon" Name
Contrary to mythical associations with werewolves, the name has more grounded origins. The title "Wolf Moon" for January's full moon comes from The Old Farmer's Almanac, a longstanding American reference book first published in 1792. Each month's first full moon carries a traditional name passed down through generations, with roots in Native American, Colonial American, and other North American folklore.
However, the Almanac clarifies that the Wolf Moon is not a traditional Native American name. It is believed to have English origins and was brought to North America by European settlers. The name references the increased likelihood of hearing wolves howl in deep winter. While it was once thought wolves howled from hunger, we now know they use howls for communication and territory marking.
Lunar Anomalies Ahead for 2026
The January supermoon is just the beginning of an unusual lunar year. 2026 will feature a total of 13 full moons, with an extremely rare pair of full moons occurring in May—commonly called a blue moon. This Wolf Moon supermoon will be the last of its kind until the Beaver Moon arrives in November.
For those keen on following the lunar calendar, here is the complete list of full moon names for the year from The Old Farmer's Almanac:
- January: Wolf Moon
- February: Snow Moon
- March: Worm Moon
- April: Pink Moon
- May: Flower Moon
- June: Strawberry Moon
- July: Buck Moon
- August: Sturgeon Moon
- September: Corn Moon
- October: Hunter Moon
- November: Beaver Moon
- December: Cold Moon
So, mark your calendar for this Saturday and find a clear eastern horizon to witness the majestic rise of the 2026 Wolf Moon supermoon, a captivating blend of celestial mechanics and enduring earthly tradition.
