January 2026 Wolf Supermoon to Light Connecticut Skies This Weekend

Early risers and night sky fans in Connecticut have something special to look forward to. The first full moon of the year is about to reach its brightest, and honestly, it’s a sight worth losing a little sleep over.

This January’s “Wolf Moon” is a supermoon, and it’s set to dominate the night sky. Let’s dig into what makes this one stand out, when you can catch it, and how the local weather might mess with your plans.

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A Supermoon Lights Up the Winter Sky

Supermoons always get people talking, and this January’s is no different. Folks from Hartford to New Haven will see the Moon looking bigger and brighter as it rises Friday evening and hangs around into early Saturday morning.

The full Moon hits its peak at 5:03 a.m. on January 3. You’ll still have plenty of chances to see it before and after that time. The Moon comes up at 3:29 p.m. Friday, so if you’re in Stamford, Norwalk, or Greenwich, you’ve got lots of time to step outside and take a look.

What Makes It a Supermoon?

This Moon gets the “supermoon” label because it lines up with perigee—the closest point in the Moon’s orbit to Earth. The Moon isn’t actually changing size, but to the naked eye, it can look up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter than when it’s at its farthest.

Where the Moon Will Appear in the Sky

As the supermoon drifts overhead, it’ll move through the constellation Gemini. That makes it pretty easy to spot, whether you’re just glancing up or you’ve got your telescope ready.

If you want the best view, try to get away from bright city lights. But even if you’re in Bridgeport, Waterbury, Danbury, or Meriden, you should still get a decent look—just find an open spot or a backyard with a clear view after sunset.

Weather and Viewing Conditions

Forecasts say there won’t be snow or rain, but you might have to deal with partly cloudy skies Friday night and early Saturday. Don’t worry too much, though—there should be enough breaks in the clouds to catch the Moon at its brightest.

It’s going to be cold and biting, with temps in the high teens to low 20s. If you’re heading out, layer up with hats, gloves, and a heavy coat. No one wants to freeze for a moonrise.

The Meaning Behind the “Wolf Moon”

People have called January’s full Moon the Wolf Moon for ages. The name comes from the old idea that wolves howled more during the dead of winter.

Turns out, wolves mostly howl to communicate with their pack, not just because they’re hungry. Still, the name sticks around and honestly, it gives the whole thing a bit of extra magic.

A Milestone in a Series of Supermoons

This January supermoon is the last of four consecutive supermoons that started back in October 2025. It’s the finale to a rare streak of closely spaced lunar events, and honestly, it’s been a real treat for skywatchers across the state.

Looking ahead, here’s what stands out:

Connecticut won’t catch another supermoon until late 2026.

Folks can expect future supermoons on Nov. 24 and Dec. 23, 2026.

The December 2026 supermoon will come closer to Earth than any full Moon since 2019.

For people from New London to Torrington, this Wolf Moon supermoon feels like a perfect sendoff to an unforgettable stretch of lunar activity. Maybe it’s just the cold January air, but it’s a good excuse to bundle up and look skyward.

Here is the source article for this story: January supermoon to light up Connecticut skies this weekend. When and how to see the Wolf Moon

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