With Tipperary skies cloud free tonight, the first full moon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, lights up our skies.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon, I hear you ask?
The name “Wolf Moon” is traditionally used to name the January full moon. It’s commonly linked to winter folklore, particularly the idea of wolves howling more often in midwinter, and belongs to a wider set of seasonal full-moon names popularised in North America and echoed in other traditions. It’s also been known historically by other names in some traditions, including the “Moon After Yule.”
The term “supermoon” is not a formal astronomical definition, but is widely used in public skywatching guides.
Ireland’s first full moon of the year, the Wolf Moon, reached peak illumination this morning (10:02am Irish time/GMT), with skywatchers getting their best viewing opportunities from Friday evening (January 2nd 2026) through the weekend, weather permitting.
This January 26 full moon is also widely being described as a “supermoon”, an informal term used when a full moon occurs relatively close to Earth in its orbit, which can make it appear a little larger and brighter than average. Even if you have already missed the exact peak time earlier this morning, not to worry, the moon will still look full to the naked eye across this weekend, all you need is a clear horizon, and a few minutes outside away from bright street lighting.
Best ways to see it in Ireland.
Look for moonrise at dusk: the moon will rise in the east around sunset and climb higher as the evening goes on, with times varying by location.
Try an open viewpoint: parks, beaches, higher ground, or anywhere with a clear eastern sky.
Use binoculars or a small telescope; while the “full” phase flattens shadows on the lunar surface, it can still be striking, especially near the horizon.
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