St. Louis, Missouri – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and visually striking celestial event across Missouri 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 winter air often clearer this time of year, conditions could be favorable for a memorable moonrise across much of the state.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 4 a.m. CST, but the most dramatic viewing opportunity arrives later that day. In eastern Missouri, including St. Louis, sunset occurs shortly after 4:45 p.m., with moonrise following during early twilight. That timing places the moonrise in the blue-hour window, when the moon appears larger, brighter, and more colorful near the eastern horizon.
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 roughly 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon. Observers in Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City, Springfield, Joplin, and across northern and southern Missouri should see the moon rise Saturday evening and climb high across the night sky, remaining visible for hours.
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 Missouri an extended viewing window compared to later months.
For the best view, skywatchers are encouraged to face east at moonrise from an open field, river bluff along the Mississippi or Missouri rivers, park, or elevated overlook with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening offers the most dramatic contrast and photo opportunities. After this weekend, another supermoon will not return until late 2026, making this a standout way to begin the New Year across Missouri.
