ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis will be able to witness the first supermoon of 2026, traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, on the nights of January 3 and 4. In this regard, a supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee, at the same time it appears full.
In such a case, the Moon looks noticeably larger and brighter than usual. So far, the scientists note that a supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and nearly 30 per cent brighter than a regular full moon, making it a popular sight for skywatchers.
Furthermore, Suparco stated that in Pakistan, the Moon will rise at approximately 5:51pm Pakistan Standard Time on the evening of January 3.
At that time, it will be almost fully illuminated, with an illumination level of about 99.8 per cent. The bright lunar display will remain visible throughout the nights of January 3 and January 4, weather conditions permitting.
This particular supermoon marks the final event of the current supermoon cycle, which began in October 2025. In such a scenario, the distance between the Earth and the Moon will be around 362,312 kilometres.
Due to this relatively close distance, the Moon is expected to appear about 6 to 7 per cent larger and up to 10 per cent brighter than a typical full moon.
Meanwhile, astronomers explain that supermoons usually occur in a series of three to four consecutive events within a cycle. The ongoing cycle included three supermoons that were visible from Pakistan over the past few months.
The first appeared on October 7, 2025, followed by the Beaver supermoon on November 5. The final supermoon of 2025 was observed across the country on the nights of December 4 and 5.
The current sequence will come to an end. Suparco noted that the next supermoon cycle is expected to begin in November 2026, offering future opportunities for the public to observe similar lunar events.
