We're in for a celestial treat to start the new year. This weekend will be the first full moon — and first supermoon — of 2026. The so-called Wolf Moon will reach peak illumination at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan.

Saturday, Jan. 3 will mark the first full moon of 2026. Known as the Wolf Moon, it will be at its fullest at 5:02 a.m. EST and best seen rising in the east at dusk later that day. It will also be a "supermoon," meaning it will appear brighter and larger than usual.

A spectacular supermoon and the first meteor shower of the new year will soon appear in the California night sky. The supermoon will be the fourth massive moon in a row to rise above the Golden State. It will look both larger and brighter to local stargazers.

The Wolf moon is the first of three supermoons in 2026. According to previous Desert Sun reporting, the supermoon is a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth, making the moon appear larger and brighter than usual.