Charlotte, North Carolina – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare celestial sight across North Carolina as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, giving residents their final opportunity to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. If skies remain clear, this could be one of the most impressive moonrises the state will see for years.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 5:03 a.m. EST, but the most dramatic viewing arrives later that day. Across central North Carolina, including Charlotte, the moon will rise in the east shortly after sunset Saturday evening. That timing places the moonrise during early twilight, a prime window when the moon appears oversized and richly colored against the fading sky.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns closely with perigee, the moon’s nearest point to Earth. During this event, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and about 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon. Viewers in Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Fayetteville should see the moon lift above the horizon Saturday evening and remain visible well into the night.
The Wolf Moon takes its name from winter folklore linked 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 North Carolina 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 striking contrast and photographic potential. Clear skies will make all the difference. After this weekend, another supermoon won’t return until late 2026, making this a memorable way to open the New Year across North Carolina.
