Residents of Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Lucknow and other cities witnessed a spectacular astronomical display as the first supermoon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, lit up the night sky on January 3. Videos and photos of the bright moon quickly surfaced on social media, capturing the attention of sky watchers in eastern India.

The Wolf Moon marked the first supermoon of the year, a phenomenon that occurs when the full moon coincides with perigee – the point in the moon’s orbit when it comes closest to Earth. Because of this alignment, the Moon appeared much brighter than usual, and was also clearly visible in the urban sky.

Astronomers said that on Friday night the Moon was located at a distance of about 362,000 km from the Earth. This closer approach caused it to appear 14% larger and about 30% brighter than the average full Moon seen at its farthest point. Although the difference in size may be difficult to detect with the naked eye, the increased brightness was clearly visible, especially in clear weather conditions.

Why was January’s supermoon especially bright?

January’s supermoon is considered particularly striking due to what astronomers describe as a “triple boost”. At this time of year, the Earth is closer to the Sun in its orbit, allowing more sunlight to be reflected off the Moon’s surface. This combination of proximity to both Earth and the Sun makes the Wolf Supermoon one of the brightest lunar events of 2026.

Origin of the name ‘Wolf Moon’

The name Wolf Moon has its roots in Northern Hemisphere folklore. Traditionally, it was believed that wolves howled more frequently during the cool midnights of January, leading early communities to associate the first full moon of the year with the animal. Although the name is largely symbolic today, it is widely used to describe the January full moon.

For many residents of Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Lucknow, the event provided a rare moment to stop and look up at the sky. Astronomy enthusiasts say such supermoons are ideal for casual observations, as they can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Those interested in a closer look can use binoculars, cameras, or binoculars to capture surface details such as lunar craters and shadows.

Sky watchers will also be able to spot a bright Jupiter nearby, making for a striking celestial pairing.

The Wolf Supermoon is one of the extraordinary astronomical events of 2026, setting the tone for a year featuring many remarkable lunar and planetary views for observers across India.