The night sky over several Indian cities, including Bhubaneswar and Guwahati, was illuminated by the Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, drawing the attention of skywatchers and social media users alike.
Visible on Friday night, the full moon appeared larger and brighter than usual as it coincided with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, a phenomenon known as a supermoon. Residents across Odisha and Assam stepped outdoors to witness the celestial event, with photographs and videos of the glowing Moon quickly going viral online.
Astronomers explain that a supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with the Moon’s perigee, or nearest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. During this phase, the Moon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and about 30 per cent brighter than a regular full moon, making it a striking sight in clear skies.
The January full moon is traditionally referred to as the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in folklore from the Northern Hemisphere, where wolves were believed to howl more frequently during the harsh winter months. While the name is symbolic, the visual spectacle remains a favourite among astronomy enthusiasts.
In cities like Guwahati and Bhubaneswar, the Moon was seen rising with a warm golden hue, an effect caused by atmospheric scattering when it is low on the horizon. Amateur photographers and stargazers captured the moment from rooftops, riverbanks and open spaces.
The Wolf Moon marked the first supermoon of the year and is part of a sequence of supermoons visible over recent months. Astronomers note that while supermoons are not rare, each occurrence offers a unique viewing experience depending on weather conditions and local geography.
Clear skies across parts of eastern and northeastern India ensured a memorable start to the astronomical calendar for 2026, with many already looking forward to the next major celestial event later in the year.
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