New Year’s Reflections & the Rising Wolf Moon
What Awaits Us in 2026
As we step into 2026, the night sky greets us with one of its most evocative markers of winter: the Wolf Moon. It’s the first full moon of the year, rising bright and solemn against the cold January sky, a reminder that even in the quietest seasons, creation is still speaking.
The name “Wolf Moon” traces back to traditional Indigenous and early Colonial naming practices. January was the time when wolves were often heard howling across snow‑covered landscapes. These howls weren’t signs of danger but of communication, wolves calling to one another, strengthening bonds, and navigating the leanest stretch of winter together.
There’s something fitting about that image as we begin a new year. The Wolf Moon invites us to listen closely, to reconnect, to gather our communities, and to move forward with intention.
Astronomically, the Wolf Moon is simply the first full moon of the year. But symbolically, it’s become a moment of:
Renewal — a natural reset as the year begins
Clarity — the bright winter moon cutting through long nights
Connection — a reminder that we’re not meant to journey alone
For skywatchers, it’s also one of the best full moons for crisp, high‑contrast viewing. Cold air holds less moisture, giving the lunar surface a sharpness that summer nights rarely match.
So bundle up, step outside, and let the first full moon of 2026 set the tone for the year ahead.
What’s Coming to Our Night Sky in 2026
2025 was a year of rebuilding, refining, and rediscovering the heart of Our Night Sky. Now, 2026 is the year I push to grow, thoughtfully, creatively, and with a renewed sense of purpose.
Here’s what’s on the horizon.
More Videos, More Storytelling, More Wonder
This year, I am expanding the video presence in a big way. You’ll see:
More sky guides
More event breakdowns
More behind‑the‑scenes looks at observing, gear, and astrophotography
More faith‑centered reflections woven into cosmic moments
These videos will live both on OurNightSky.us and on a growing YouTube channel, making it easier for people to learn, explore, and share.
Introducing: Our Night Sky Live
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is a brand‑new real‑time space weather and sky‑watching tool:
Our Night Sky Live — https://live.ournightsky.us
This new platform brings together:
Solar activity
Aurora forecasts
ISS passes
Meteor shower visibility
Cloud cover and transparency
Moon phase and rise/set times
Planetary viewing conditions
All in one clean, fast, mobile‑friendly dashboard.
It’s built for beginners, seasoned observers, photographers, and anyone who wants to know what the sky is doing right now.
A Year of Expansion, Creativity, and Community
Our Night Sky has always been about more than astronomy. It’s about wonder. It’s about connection. It’s about finding meaning in the quiet places, the same way the Wolf Moon once called communities to listen and gather.
In 2026, I am leaning deeper into that mission.
More resources.
More tools.
More ways to help people look up with purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a year of clarity, creativity, and cosmic beauty.
And here’s to the Wolf Moon, rising soon, calling us forward.
Until next time! Keep Looking Up!
-g