2026 Will Feature 13 Full Moons: 2026 is shaping up to be a truly rare and mesmerizing year for stargazers, astronomers, photographers, and just about anyone who occasionally looks up and gets a little lost in the Moon. With 13 full moons, 3 dazzling supermoons, and a Blue Moon that only pops up once in a while, this year is going to light up the sky in ways we haven’t seen in a long time. From a Native American seasonal perspective, lunar cycles are closely tied to survival, storytelling, and the rhythms of Earth. Many of the names we use today for full moons—like the Wolf Moon or the Harvest Moon—come from ancient traditions of honoring nature and time. And now in 2026, those same moons are lining up for a show we won’t soon forget. Let’s break it all down—from the science behind the lunar events to when, where, and how to watch, plus bonus content like meteor showers, eclipse previews, cultural backstory, and practical observation tips.
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2026 Will Feature 13 Full Moons
With 13 full moons, three stunning supermoons, a rare Blue Moon, two powerful lunar eclipses, two solar eclipses, and a host of meteor showers and planetary conjunctions, 2026 promises one of the richest skywatching calendars in years. Whether you’re teaching your kids about the cosmos, chasing the perfect lunar photo, or just enjoying the wonder of the night sky, this is your year to look up and reconnect with the universe. Mark your calendar, grab your gear, and share the night sky with your community — because 2026 will truly be unforgettable.
| Event | Date (UTC) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full Moons | 13 in total | Typically only 12 per year |
| Supermoons | Jan 3, Nov 24, Dec 23 | Appear 14% bigger, 30% brighter |
| Blue Moon | May 31 | Second full moon in a month |
| Lunar Eclipses | Mar 3 (Total), Aug 28 (Partial) | Moon turns red during total |
| Solar Eclipses | Feb 17 (Annular), Aug 12 (Total) | Major events worldwide |
| Meteor Showers | Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct, Dec | Cosmic streaks + full moons |
| Planetary Conjunctions | Multiple | Visuals of Venus, Jupiter, Mars |
Understanding the 2026 Will Feature 13 Full Moons Phenomenon
In a typical year, we see 12 full moons—one per month. But the lunar cycle is about 29.53 days, which means a full moon occurs every 29–30 days. When the math plays out just right, the year ends up squeezing in an extra full moon—making it 13 total.
In 2026, that extra moon appears in May, giving us full moons on both May 1 and May 31—the second one being the infamous Blue Moon. This doesn’t happen every year. In fact, it only occurs every 2–3 years, which is why we use the phrase “once in a blue moon” to describe rare events.
Here are the full moons to watch in 2026:
| Full Moon Name | Date (UTC) |
|---|---|
| Wolf Moon | January 3 (Supermoon) |
| Snow Moon | February 1 |
| Worm Moon | March 3 (Total Lunar Eclipse) |
| Pink Moon | April 2 |
| Flower Moon | May 1 |
| Blue Moon | May 31 |
| Strawberry Moon | June 30 |
| Buck Moon | July 29 |
| Sturgeon Moon | August 28 (Partial Eclipse) |
| Harvest Moon | September 26 |
| Hunter’s Moon | October 26 |
| Beaver Moon | November 24 (Supermoon) |
| Cold Moon | December 23 (Supermoon) |
Supermoons: When the Moon Shows Off
Supermoons are full moons that occur when the Moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit (called perigee). This makes the Moon appear slightly larger and about 30% brighter than a regular full moon.
In 2026, three full moons will qualify as supermoons:
- January 3 (Wolf Supermoon) – Kicking off the year with a bang.
- November 24 (Beaver Supermoon) – Nestled in late autumn.
- December 23 (Cold Supermoon) – A holiday-season lunar finale.
These supermoons will be spectacular to watch just after moonrise or just before moonset, especially when they hover low on the horizon, appearing extra-large due to the Moon illusion.
What’s a Blue Moon Anyway?
Let’s clear up a common myth: a Blue Moon isn’t blue in color. The term refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. Since May 2026 starts and ends with full moons, the May 31st moon gets the “Blue Moon” title.
Historically, the term was used in The Maine Farmers’ Almanac in the 19th century to denote the third full moon in a season with four full moons, but modern usage mostly goes by the calendar-based definition.
Lunar Eclipses in 2026: Cosmic Drama Unfolds
Two lunar eclipses will add cinematic flair to the year:
1. Total Lunar Eclipse — March 3, 2026
This “Blood Moon” will bathe the lunar surface in a dark red or coppery glow. It’s visible in North America, South America, Pacific regions, and parts of Asia. If skies are clear, it’ll be a beautiful event to watch with the naked eye.
2. Partial Lunar Eclipse — August 28, 2026
Here, only a portion of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, giving it a shadowy bite. Still worth watching, especially through binoculars or a telescope.
Solar Eclipses: The Sun Takes a Bow
Two solar eclipses will also grace 2026:
• Annular Solar Eclipse — February 17
This “Ring of Fire” eclipse happens when the Moon is too far to block the Sun completely, leaving a fiery ring around the edges. Most visible in Antarctica and southern oceans.
• Total Solar Eclipse — August 12
The crown jewel of 2026 eclipses. During a total solar eclipse, day turns to night. If you’re in the eclipse path (Western Europe, North Africa, Northern Russia), make plans early to witness it safely.
Meteor Showers: Cosmic Fireworks
Even though full moons sometimes reduce visibility, several meteor showers will still impress in 2026:
- Quadrantids – Jan 3–4
- Lyrids – Apr 22–23
- Perseids – Aug 11–13 (right before the total solar eclipse!)
- Orionids – Oct 21–22
- Geminids – Dec 13–14
For best results, get far from city lights and look up after midnight. Lay back, bring a blanket, and let nature’s light show wash over you.
How to Watch and Photograph 2026 Will Feature 13 Full Moons
If you want to make the most of 2026’s sky shows, here are some pro-level (yet beginner-friendly) tips:
1. Use Astronomy Apps
Apps like SkySafari, Stellarium, and PhotoPills can help you track moonrise/moonset, eclipses, and meteor showers with real-time data for your location.
2. Scout a Dark-Sky Location
The less light pollution, the more stars, meteors, and lunar detail you’ll see. Use darksky.org to find protected dark areas.
3. Gear Tips
Even a smartphone with a tripod and long exposure mode can capture full moons. For best shots, use a DSLR with a 200mm+ lens, or try time-lapse sequences during eclipses.
4. Best Viewing Times
- Moonrise/Moonset: Offers a dramatic horizon view with foreground.
- Peak Eclipse: Check your local time zones via TimeandDate.
Cultural Meaning of Moons: Native American Traditions
The names for full moons have deep roots in Native American and colonial farming traditions. For example:
- Wolf Moon (Jan): Named by northern tribes when wolves were howling near winter camps.
- Strawberry Moon (June): Marks the ripening of strawberries in northeastern U.S.
- Harvest Moon (Sept): The full moon closest to the autumn equinox, aiding farmers harvesting at night.
These names reflect a time when nature’s rhythms guided survival. In modern times, they help us stay connected to seasonal cycles and Earth’s wisdom.
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