Stunning Wolf Moon Lights Up Southern England's Skies

The January 2026 supermoon, known as the Wolf Moon, captivates stargazers across the region.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:58am

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A vibrant, abstract painting in soft blues, greens, and purples, featuring sweeping geometric arcs and concentric circles that evoke the cyclical patterns of the lunar phases and the grandeur of the night sky.The Wolf Moon's celestial dance illuminates the night sky, sparking wonder and debate among stargazers.San Diego Today

The first full moon of 2026, called the Wolf Moon, has illuminated the skies over southern England. This celestial event marks the fourth supermoon in a row, following the Harvest Moon in October, the Beaver Moon in November, and the Cold Moon in December. BBC Weather Watchers have captured stunning images of the Wolf Moon as it reached its peak.

Why it matters

The Wolf Moon is classified as a supermoon because its elliptical orbit brings it closer to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky. This phenomenon has sparked debate among astronomers and enthusiasts about the significance and accuracy of the 'supermoon' label.

The details

The January moon is known as the Wolf Moon in the Northern Hemisphere, a name that harks back to a time when wolves were believed to howl more frequently due to the scarcity of food. The next opportunity to witness such a large and bright moon will not come until November.

  • The Wolf Moon reached its peak in January 2026.
  • The previous supermoons were the Harvest Moon in October, the Beaver Moon in November, and the Cold Moon in December.

The players

BBC Weather Watchers

A community of amateur meteorologists who capture and share images of weather phenomena across the UK.

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The takeaway

The Wolf Moon's appearance as a supermoon has sparked ongoing discussions about the accuracy and significance of the term, highlighting the fascination and debate surrounding our celestial neighbors.