First Supermoon of 2026 Visible Across India This Evening
First supermoon of 2026 lights up Indian skies brighter and larger on January 3 evening.
The first supermoon of 2026 illuminated the night sky on January 3, giving skywatchers in India a rare and striking view. This full Moon, also known as the Wolf Moon, appeared about 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than the year’s most distant full Moon, creating one of the most visually impressive lunar events of the year.
In India, the supermoon was best visible shortly after sunset, with peak viewing in cities such as Bhubaneswar and Guwahati between 5:45 pm and 6 pm IST. As the Moon rose near the horizon, it exhibited a warm orange-yellow glow caused by moonlight passing through a thicker layer of Earth’s atmosphere, enhancing the spectacle.
At perigee, the Moon was approximately 362,641 km from Earth, making it closer than usual and significantly enhancing its apparent size. Observers noted that the moon illusion also contributed to its seemingly larger size when low on the horizon, while binoculars or small telescopes allowed for a closer view of its surface details.
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The January supermoon concludes a four-month streak of supermoons that began in October 2025. Globally, the Moon reached peak fullness at 4 pm IST, though regional peak visibility varied, with New York, London, Tokyo, and Sydney seeing the Moon at different local times. After this event, the next supermoon is not expected until the end of 2026.
Astronomers explain that a supermoon occurs when a full Moon coincides with or comes close to perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit nearest to Earth. Because the Moon’s distance from Earth varies, not every full Moon is a supermoon, and timing of perigee relative to the full Moon is key.
Beyond its visual beauty, supermoons can slightly influence Earth’s tides due to the Moon’s stronger gravitational pull at closer range. The January Wolf Moon carries additional cultural significance, historically associated with long winter nights and sometimes referred to as the Moon after Yule, making it both a scientific and traditional highlight for skywatchers.
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