Atlanta, Georgia – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and eye-catching night-sky event across Georgia as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, giving residents their final chance to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. With typically mild January evenings, Georgia could offer some of the most comfortable viewing conditions in the eastern U.S.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 5:03 a.m. EST, but the most dramatic viewing opportunity comes later that day. In metro Atlanta, sunset occurs shortly before 5:40 p.m., with moonrise following soon after in early twilight. That timing places the moon’s appearance squarely in the blue-hour window, when it looks oversized and richly colored as it lifts above the eastern horizon.
This full moon qualifies as a supermoon because it occurs near perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth. During this event, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Observers in Athens, Macon, Columbus, Savannah, and along the Georgia coast should see the moon rise Saturday evening and remain visible for much of the night.
The Wolf Moon gets its name from winter folklore tied to the howling of wolves during the coldest weeks of the year. January’s full moon also rides higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving Georgia an extended viewing window compared to later months.
For the best view, skywatchers are encouraged to face east at moonrise from an open field, park, hilltop, or coastal overlook with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening offers the most dramatic contrast and photo-worthy moments. After this weekend, another supermoon won’t return until late 2026, making this a memorable way to open the New Year across Georgia.
