Full Moon Calendar: Dates, Names, Eclipses & Supermoons

Your Definitive Full Moon Calendar 2026: Dates, Names, Eclipses & Supermoons

The night sky holds an enduring fascination for humanity, and few celestial sights are as captivating as a luminous full moon. For skygazers, photographers, and anyone looking to connect with the cosmos, understanding the lunar cycle is key. If you're searching for a comprehensive calendario lunas 2026, you've come to the right place. This guide will provide you with all the essential dates, traditional names, and insights into special lunar events like eclipses and supermoons planned for the year. Beyond simply marking dates, delving into the full moon calendar offers a unique opportunity to appreciate cultural heritage and the mechanics of our celestial neighbor. Each full moon carries a traditional name, often rooted in Native American, colonial American, or European folklore, reflecting the changing seasons and natural events. As we move through 2026, prepare to witness a spectacular array of lunar displays, from the Wolf Moon howling in January to the Cold Moon warming our spirits in December.

The 2026 Full Moon Calendar: Dates, Times & Traditional Names

Throughout history, cultures across the globe have observed and named the monthly full moons, linking them to agricultural cycles, hunting seasons, and seasonal changes. These names provide a lyrical connection to our ancestors and the natural world. Here is your detailed full moon calendar for 2026, complete with the precise times (all times Eastern Standard Time, EST) and their traditional monikers. Remember to adjust these times to your local time zone for optimal viewing!

• Saturday, January 3 — 5:03 a.m. EST — Wolf Moon: Named for the hungry wolves howling outside villages, this moon marks the heart of winter. This particular Wolf Moon will also be a Supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter.
• Sunday, February 1 — 5:09 p.m. EST — Snow Moon: Often the snowiest month, this name highlights the heavy snowfall typically experienced in North America during February.
• Tuesday, March 3 — 6:38 a.m. EST — Worm Moon: As the ground begins to thaw, earthworms emerge, signaling the return of spring and migrating birds. This Worm Moon will coincide with a spectacular total lunar eclipse.
• Wednesday, April 1 — 10:12 p.m. EST — Pink Moon: Don't expect the Moon to turn literally pink! This name refers to the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring.
• Friday, May 1 — 1:23 p.m. EST — Flower Moon: May sees an abundance of blossoms across the Northern Hemisphere, hence this beautifully named moon.
• Sunday, May 31 — 4:45 a.m. EST — Blue Moon: This is a "seasonal Blue Moon," the third full moon in a season that has four full moons instead of the usual three. A relatively rare occurrence, making it a special viewing opportunity.
• Monday, June 29 — 7:57 p.m. EST — Strawberry Moon: Though not appearing red, this moon signifies the short strawberry harvesting season in late spring/early summer.
• Wednesday, July 29 — 10:36 a.m. EST — Buck Moon: Male deer (bucks) begin to grow new antlers in July, pushing out their velvety coverings.
• Friday, August 28 — 12:19 a.m. EST — Sturgeon Moon: Named by Native American tribes who found it easiest to catch sturgeon in the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water during this time of year. This Sturgeon Moon will feature a partial lunar eclipse.
• Saturday, September 26 — 12:49 p.m. EST — Corn Moon (Harvest Moon): Often interchangeable with Harvest Moon, this signifies the time for gathering corn and other staple crops.
• Monday, October 26 — 12:12 a.m. EST — Hunter’s Moon: Following the Harvest Moon, this moon signaled the ideal time for hunters to stalk deer and other animals fattened for winter.
• Tuesday, November 24 — 9:54 a.m. EST — Beaver Moon: This name comes from the time when beavers were actively preparing for winter, or when traps were traditionally set for them. This will also be a Supermoon.
• Wednesday, December 23 — 8:28 p.m. EST — Cold Moon: Aptly named for the long, dark, and often frigid nights of early winter. This Cold Moon is also designated as a Supermoon.

Beyond the Full Moon: Eclipses and Supermoons in 2026

While every full moon offers a chance to marvel at our lunar companion, some celestial events take the experience to the next level. In 2026, we are fortunate enough to witness both lunar eclipses and supermoons, adding extra excitement to the lunar calendar.

Lunar Eclipses in 2026

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface.

• Total Lunar Eclipse (March 3, 2026): The Worm Moon will bring a total lunar eclipse, a spectacular event where the entire Moon passes into the darkest part of Earth's shadow (the umbra). During totality, the Moon can take on a dramatic reddish hue, often called a "Blood Moon," due to sunlight scattering through Earth's atmosphere. This is a must-see event for anyone following the calendario lunas 2026.
• Partial Lunar Eclipse (August 28, 2026): The Sturgeon Moon will be accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse. In this event, only a portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbra, resulting in a section of the Moon appearing darkened or shadowed. While not as dramatic as a total eclipse, it's still a beautiful phenomenon to observe.

Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye and require no special equipment, making them accessible to everyone.

Supermoons in 2026

A "Supermoon" is a popular term for a full moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit (perigee). While the visual difference in size and brightness might be subtle to the casual observer, an experienced eye or a camera can certainly pick up the enhanced glow and apparent size. In 2026, we have three opportunities to witness a Supermoon:

• January 3 — Wolf Moon
• November 24 — Beaver Moon
• December 23 — Cold Moon

These full moons will appear slightly larger and up to 30% brighter than the faintest full moons of the year, offering a wonderful treat for stargazers.

The Rare Blue Moon

The term "Blue Moon" is steeped in folklore and has two primary definitions. The more common definition, and the one applicable to 2026, is the second full moon within a single calendar month. However, 2026 offers a "seasonal Blue Moon" on May 31. This occurs when there are four full moons in a single astronomical season (the period between a solstice and an equinox), rather than the usual three. The third full moon of that season is then dubbed the Blue Moon. Such events are relatively rare, adding a special note to our calendario lunas 2026.

Understanding Lunar Phenomena: What Makes the Moon Wobble and Change?

While the full moon is a spectacular sight, our Moon is far from static. It’s a dynamic celestial body with subtle motions that affect how we see it from Earth. NASA's detailed observations, particularly from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), have provided unprecedented insights into these phenomena. One of the most intriguing aspects is libration. Although the Moon famously keeps the same face towards Earth, it doesn't keep *exactly* the same face. Due to the tilt and elliptical shape of its orbit, we see the Moon from slightly different angles throughout the month. This causes the Moon to appear to "wobble" or rock back and forth, revealing parts of its far side that would otherwise be hidden. It's like watching a balance scale tip up and down, and it's what gives our view of the Moon a dynamic quality even though it always presents the same face. Furthermore, the Moon's distance from Earth varies significantly. Its orbit is not a perfect circle, meaning it approaches and recedes from us over the course of a month. The closest point in its orbit is called perigee, and the farthest is apogee. The difference in distance can be as much as 14%, directly impacting the apparent size of the Moon in our sky – a phenomenon particularly noticeable during a Supermoon (when a full moon aligns with perigee). Of course, the most widely recognized change in the Moon's appearance is its cycle of phases. These are caused by the changing angle at which the Sun illuminates the Moon as it orbits Earth. From the slender waxing crescent to the brilliant full moon, and then back to the waning crescent, each phase offers a unique visual treat. For a deeper dive into these fascinating lunar mechanics, you might want to Explore 2026 Moon Phases: Libration, Perigee & The Lunar Wobble.

Tips for Observing the Full Moon and Lunar Events

Whether you're an experienced astronomer or a casual observer, here are some practical tips to enhance your lunar viewing experience in 2026:

1. Check Local Times: Always convert the provided EST times to your local time zone. A quick online search or a dedicated astronomy app can help with this. The time of the full moon refers to its exact moment of maximum illumination, but it will appear "full" to the naked eye for about a day before and after this precise moment.
2. Find a Dark Sky Location: While the full moon is bright enough to cut through light pollution, a darker sky will make it even more impressive and allow you to appreciate the surrounding stars.
3. Use Binoculars or a Telescope: For eclipses and supermoons, binoculars can reveal surface details and enhance the view significantly. A small telescope will offer even greater magnification and detail.
4. Consider Moonrise and Moonset: The full moon is often most dramatic when it's low on the horizon, appearing larger due to the "moon illusion" and potentially taking on hues of orange or red. Check local moonrise and moonset times for these picturesque moments.
5. Lunar Photography: A sturdy tripod and a telephoto lens (for DSLRs/mirrorless) or even a good smartphone camera can capture stunning images. Experiment with exposure settings to get the best results.
6. Observe Cultural Significance: As you observe each full moon, take a moment to reflect on the origins of its traditional name. This can add a rich, historical dimension to your stargazing.

Conclusion

The year 2026 promises a magnificent display of lunar events, offering numerous opportunities to connect with the cosmos. From the regular cadence of the full moons with their ancient names to the special spectacle of lunar eclipses and the subtle grandeur of supermoons, there's something for every sky enthusiast. Keep this calendario lunas 2026 handy, mark your dates, and prepare to be enchanted by the luminous beauty of our faithful celestial companion. Whether you're planning a quiet night of stargazing or looking to capture stunning lunar photographs, 2026 is set to be a memorable year for moon watchers. For more detailed insights and to keep track of every lunar event, be sure to explore Your 2026 Lunar Calendar: Track Full Moons, Eclipses & Blue Moon. Happy moon gazing!