2026's First Celestial Event: The Fourth Consecutive Wolf Moon Supermoon
Don't miss the 2026 Wolf Moon Supermoon on Jan 3, the fourth consecutive supermoon with 100% illumination. Learn about the lunar cycle and tonight's sky.
It's the grand finale of a rare celestial streak. Tonight, Jan 3, 2026, the moon reaches its peak as the fourth consecutive supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than your average lunar display.
The 2026 Wolf Moon Supermoon at 100% Illumination
January's full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon. According to data from The Sky Live, exactly 100% of the moon's surface will be lit up tonight, providing a spectacular view for stargazers globally. This marks the end of a series of supermoons that have dominated the night sky over the past few months.
If you miss this display, the next full moon isn't arriving until Feb 1. While every full moon is beautiful, supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making tonight’s event particularly special for mobile photographers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.
Understanding the 29.5-Day Lunar Cycle
According to NASA, the moon takes roughly 29.5 days to complete its cycle. Throughout this orbit, it transitions through eight distinct phases as the sunlight hitting its surface shifts from our perspective on Earth.
- New Moon: Invisible to the eye as it sits between Earth and the sun.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light begins to appear.
- Full Moon: The phase we see tonight, where the entire face is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: The final sliver of light before the cycle restarts.
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