• Source:JND

Wolf Supermoon: The first Supermoon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, lit up skies across several Indian cities on Friday evening, offering a striking start to the new year. The bright full Moon was clearly visible in cities such as Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati, where residents stepped outdoors to witness the rare celestial event.

Why This Supermoon Stands Out

This Supermoon appeared larger and brighter because the full Moon coincided closely with its perigee, the point when it comes nearest to Earth. Astronomers said the Moon was around 3.62 lakh kilometres away, making it look nearly 14 per cent bigger and about 30 per cent brighter than a regular full Moon.

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As it rose shortly after sunset, between 5:45 PM and 6:00 PM IST, the Moon appeared especially large near the horizon, an effect caused by a well-known visual illusion.

Views From Across India

In eastern India, people in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar reported a clear and glowing Moon dominating the evening sky. In the north-east, Guwahati also saw bright views before clouds gradually increased later in the night. Residents in Lucknow caught glimpses of the Supermoon despite winter haze.

The shining Moon reflected off rooftops, open fields and water bodies, drawing families and photography enthusiasts outdoors.

Clouds And Weather Impact

Weather conditions, however, were not uniform across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said dense fog continued to affect parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi-NCR, limiting visibility in some areas. Cloud cover was also reported in parts of the Himalayan region due to western disturbances.

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Clearer Skies In South And West

Southern and western India enjoyed better viewing conditions. Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad recorded mostly clear skies in the evening. Coastal areas and hilltops offered especially sharp views, with pleasant temperatures adding to the experience.

Astronomers noted that such Supermoon events also highlight lunar surface details more clearly, making it a memorable sight for skywatchers across the country.


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