Shadows of the pack: The science and folklore of the 2026 Wolf SuperMoon

Wolf Supermoon 2026

// STATUS: OPTIMUM VISIBILITY // JAN 03, 2026 // LUNAR PHASE: 100% //

A New Year's Gift from the Cosmos.

Tonight, the lunar cycle achieves peak intensity. The Wolf Supermoon of 2026 is officially illuminating the horizon, marked by its rare orbital proximity and an extraordinary solar alignment that hasn't been seen in nearly a decade.

// ORBITAL PERIGEE: 356,500 KM //

🌑 Astronomical Anomalies

NASA telemetry confirms three factors driving tonight's 30% increase in luminosity:

01. PERIGEE PROXIMITY The Moon has reached its closest approach to Earth, resulting in a 14% increase in apparent size.

02. PERIHELION BOOST With Earth at its closest to the Sun today, the sunlight reflected off the Moon is 7% more intense than average.

03. GEMINI CONJUNCTION The gas giant Jupiter is positioned just 3° from the Moon, creating a rare dual-glow phenomenon.

2026 Deep-Space Intel

🔭 The Gemini Sector

As the Moon passes through Gemini, it creates a unique backdrop for astronomers to track the "twin stars" Castor and Pollux.

💎 Carbon Worlds

Parallel to the Moon event, JWST has confirmed exoplanet PSR J2322-2650b—a lemon-shaped pulsar planet with carbon clouds.

📚 DATA REPOSITORIES & INTEL

"Lunar Perigee and Apogee: Analysis 2026" NASA Science Communications (January 2026)

"The January Wolf Moon: Folklore vs. Astronomy" Royal Museums Greenwich, Astronomy Department (2025)

"Planetary Conjuncts and Visual Magnitude Shifts" Astrophysical Journal / Stellar Data Link (2026)

Principal Investigator

Sankalpa Lokuliyanage

Pursuing Masters in Software (KNU) | BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Specializing in Cybersecurity & Software Architecture. Researching the bridge between planetary science and digital generative systems.

Connect on LinkedIn Technical Portfolio

From Blogger iPhone client