Baltimore, Maryland – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare night-sky event across Maryland and Delaware as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, marking the last opportunity to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. If skies remain clear, residents across the Chesapeake region could see one of the most impressive moonrises of the year.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 5:03 a.m. EST, but the most visually striking moment comes later that day. In central Maryland, including Baltimore, sunset occurs shortly after 4:50 p.m., with moonrise following soon after during early twilight. Similar timing is expected across Delaware, including Wilmington and Dover, placing the moonrise in the ideal blue-hour window.
This full moon qualifies as a supermoon because it aligns closely with perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth. That proximity allows it to appear up to 14 percent larger and about 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Viewers along the I-95 corridor, the Eastern Shore, and coastal Delaware should see the moon rise low in the east Saturday evening before climbing high overhead later at 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 in the sky than any other full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving Maryland and Delaware an extended viewing window.
For the best view, skywatchers are encouraged to face east at moonrise from an open waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, or Atlantic coastline, or from a hilltop or open field with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening offers the most dramatic contrast. Clear skies will be key, and no special equipment is required. After this weekend, another supermoon won’t return until late 2026.
