China Observes First Supermoon of 2026, the 'Wolf Moon'

Celestial Spectacle Across China

The first supermoon of 2026 graced the night sky over China on Saturday, January 3, captivating observers with its enhanced size and luminosity. This celestial phenomenon, commonly known as a 'supermoon,' occurs when a full moon nearly coincides with its perigee—the point in its elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth.

Reports from various regions, including Beijing and Heilongjiang Province, confirmed widespread sightings of the unusually prominent lunar disk. The event marked the initial supermoon of the year, with two more expected later in 2026.

Understanding the 'Supermoon' Phenomenon

A supermoon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon observed at its farthest point from Earth (apogee). On January 3, the Moon was approximately 362,312 kilometers (225,130 miles) from Earth, contributing to its striking appearance. The term 'supermoon' itself was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, though it has since been adopted by some astronomers to describe a perigean full moon.

The 'Wolf Moon' and Additional Brightness

This particular supermoon is also known as the 'Wolf Moon,' a traditional name for January's full moon, rooted in folklore that suggests wolves howl more frequently during the cold winter months. Adding to its brilliance, the January 3 supermoon coincided with Earth's perihelion, the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Sun. This alignment provided an additional boost in brightness, as more sunlight reflected off the lunar surface.

Upcoming Supermoons in 2026

Skygazers will have further opportunities to witness supermoons in 2026. The subsequent supermoons are anticipated in November and December. The supermoon on December 24 is projected to be the closest and brightest of the year, promising another impressive display.