Skywatchers across Ontario will have a chance to see the first supermoon of 2026 this weekend, weather permitting.
January’s full moon—traditionally known as the Wolf Moon—will coincide with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, according to Space.com. This alignment means the moon may appear up to 30 per cent brighter and about 14 per cent larger than the most distant full moon of the year.
The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle, who defined it as a full or new moon that occurs within 90 per cent of its closest point to Earth.
January’s supermoon is the fourth and final event in a recent string of consecutive supermoons. It reaches peak illumination at 5:03 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, according to Space.com. For most observers, however, the moon will appear full on Friday and Saturday nights, and likely into Sunday evening as well.
Moonrise and moonset times vary by location. In the Greater Toronto Area, the moon rises at approximately 3:48 p.m. on Friday, 5:06 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:27 p.m. on Sunday, according to Time and Date.
On Friday, the moon will rise shortly before sunset, creating a striking visual. Space.com notes that the moon often appears especially large near the horizon due to the “moon illusion,” a visual effect that makes low-hanging moons seem oversized. The same effect may be visible again on Saturday, when the moon rises shortly after sunset.
Cloudy or partly cloudy conditions are forecast for Friday and Saturday in parts of Ontario, which could limit visibility. Sunday evening may offer the clearest opportunity to see the supermoon in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions.
After this weekend, moon watchers will have to wait several months for another supermoon. The next one is not expected until Nov. 24, 2026.