India will witness a rare Wolf Moon supermoon on the night of January 2 to early January 3, 2026.
This marks the first full moon of the year and the last supermoon until November. Skywatchers can expect the moon to appear larger and brighter than usual, making it a must‑see event for nature and astronomy enthusiasts.
Best Viewing in India
The most striking view will occur during moonrise between 5:45 pm and 6:00 pm IST, when the moon appears biggest near the eastern horizon. Although the moon reaches full illumination at 3:33 pm IST, it will remain below the horizon at that time for Indian observers.
Celestial Companions
Alongside the Wolf Moon, Jupiter will shine close to the moon, Saturn will be visible in the southwest, and the Orion constellation will dominate the winter sky. The event coincides with the Quadrantid meteor shower, famous for bright fireballs, which will peak between January 2 and 3.
Captivating Features
The Wolf Moon will change colour as it rises. Initially bright orange due to atmospheric scattering, it will gradually turn white as it climbs higher. This phenomenon, known as the moon illusion, makes the moon appear larger near the horizon.
Best Camera Phones for Photography
Capturing the Wolf Moon supermoon requires precision. Modern smartphones are equipped to handle the challenge. Recommended models include:
- Vivo X300 Pro Teleconverter Kit
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra with Teleconverter Kit
- Oppo Find X9 Pro with Teleconverter Kit
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
These devices offer high‑resolution sensors, optical zoom, and advanced night‑mode processing. For optimal results, use Pro/Night mode, reduce ISO, employ a tripod, avoid excessive digital zoom, and experiment with exposure settings.
