What to Expect from the Wolf Supermoon on Paush Purnima This January
Paush Purnima and the Wolf Supermoon
New Delhi: This Saturday marks Paush Purnima, the inaugural full moon of the Hindu lunar calendar for 2026, coinciding with an extraordinary celestial phenomenon—the first supermoon of the year, known as the 'Wolf Supermoon'.
The Wolf Supermoon is anticipated to brighten the night sky, appearing larger and more luminous than a standard full moon as it rises in the constellation Gemini, directly opposite the Sun. This event marks the first full moon of the year and initiates a series of three supermoons expected throughout 2026.
A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with perigee, the point in the Moon's elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. The Moon's distance from our planet fluctuates between approximately 356,000 km and 406,000 km, affecting its perceived size and brightness.
On January 3, the Moon will be about 362,000 km away from Earth, making it appear 6 to 14 percent larger and 13 to 30 percent brighter than when it is at apogee, its furthest distance from Earth.
Traditionally, January's full moon is referred to as the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in folklore from the Northern Hemisphere, associated with the howling of wolves during midwinter nights near villages. While this name carries cultural significance, it is now widely recognized as the first full moon of the year.
As per Time and Date, the Wolf Moon is expected to rise around 3:32 PM IST on Saturday. Although it may seem fully illuminated for several nights, its peak brightness will occur on January 3.
Astronomically, a full moon happens when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky, allowing its entire surface to be lit up. This alignment occurs approximately every 27 days. While casual observers might see a full moon on adjacent nights, the exact moment of full illumination is what officially designates it as a full moon.
Paush Purnima is of great religious and spiritual significance, with many devotees engaging in holy baths, fasting, prayers, and charitable acts.
According to traditional Hindu Panchang calculations, the Purnima Tithi that began on the evening of January 2 will conclude on the afternoon of January 3, making Saturday the main day for observance. Paush Purnima occurs in the Paush month, which is deemed highly auspicious for spiritual activities, especially during the winter months.