The first full moon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, put on a spectacular celestial show as it coincided with a supermoon event. Stargazers across the globe were treated to a dramatically larger and brighter lunar disc in the night sky on Saturday, 3 January.
What is a Supermoon?
According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it to its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. During this event, the moon can appear up to 15% larger and 30% brighter compared to a regular full moon. The January full moon is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name with roots in Native American and European folklore.
A Global Phenomenon Captured on Camera
Photographers from every corner of the world pointed their lenses skyward to capture the event. In the United Kingdom, the sight was particularly poignant. Crowds gathered at the iconic Glastonbury Tor in Somerset to witness the moonrise, while in Liverpool, the moon ascended dramatically behind the historic Royal Liver Building.
London's skyline provided a stunning urban backdrop. The supermoon was photographed rising over the River Thames and perfectly aligned with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Further north, in Yorkshire's Stokesley and at the RSPB Otmoor Nature Reserve in Oxford, the lunar glow illuminated the British countryside.
International Moonlight
The spectacle was truly global. In the United States, the moon was seen setting behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City. In Argentina, photographers captured it over a bridge in Buenos Aires's La Boca neighbourhood and in the skies above Lobos.
Asian vistas included the moon over Nantong City and Yichun in China, while in Thailand, riders on Cha-Am Beach were silhouetted against the huge lunar disc. The moon was also seen beside Mecca's Royal Clock Tower in Saudi Arabia, from a cable car in Kars, Turkey, and over the Nuseirat area of Deir al-Balah in Gaza.
European perspectives came from Rzeszów in Poland, adding to the international collection of images that documented this shared astronomical experience.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the natural wonders visible in our night sky, uniting observers across continents in a moment of collective awe. The next supermoon will offer another chance for sky-watchers to experience our celestial neighbour's enhanced beauty.
