The fact that the new year begins in a full moon phase feels exciting, as these lunations are the zenith point of the monthly lunar cycle. During a full moon, the entire face of this luminary is visible,

The wolf moon, the first full of 2026, will peak in the early morning hours of Jan. 3. The supermoon will be the fourth in a row, dating to October 2025. The moon will appear full the evening before, providing a mid-winter show, weather permitting.

The first full moon of 2026, also known as the Wolf Moon, is a supermoon, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky, though cloudy skies may obscure the view.

The Old Farmer's Almanac says the moon got the nickname because wolves were likely heard howling in mid-winter. Wolf experts say the pack may be howling during full moons for other reasons. MICHELLE MANCINI: They don't necessarily howl under the full moon.

The Wolf Moon is the first full moon of the year. We explore how it got its name, looking at winter conditions, wolf behaviour, early lunar naming traditions, and what makes January's full moon stand out in history and observation.