The first supermoon of 2026 will grace the skies of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world
On Saturday evening, January 3, 2026, astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in natural phenomena across the Arab world will turn their gaze to the heavens to witness a remarkable celestial event. Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society , announced that the region will experience the first supermoon of the new year. This event presents an ideal opportunity for amateur astronomers and astronomical observers, as the moon will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
The scientific explanation for the supermoon phenomenon
To understand this phenomenon more deeply, it's important to note that the Moon's orbit around the Earth is not perfectly circular, but elliptical. This means the distance between the Moon and Earth constantly changes as it revolves. The term " supermoon " is used when a full moon coincides with the Moon reaching its perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. On Saturday evening, precise astronomical calculations indicate that the Moon will be approximately 362,312 kilometers away, making it a truly exceptional supermoon.
Abu Zahra explained that the full moon will occur at 1:02 PM Mecca time (10:02 AM GMT), with an illumination of 99.6%. Although the full moon occurs during daylight hours locally, viewers will be able to see the full moon throughout the night after sunset.
A captivating visual spectacle and conjunction with Jupiter
Visually, the moon will rise from the eastern horizon at sunset, initially appearing a warm orange hue. This coloration is due to atmospheric physics, where the blue wavelengths of light are scattered, leaving the red and orange wavelengths due to dust and particles suspended in the atmosphere. The moon will then regain its bright, silvery-white color as it rises higher in the sky.
Adding to the beauty of this night is the remarkable astronomical alignment: a conjunction of the supermoon and Jupiter. The solar system's giant will appear as a bright point of light close to the moon, creating a scene that brings together the two brightest objects in the night sky. This presents a rare opportunity to capture astronomical images that combine Earth, the moon, and a planet in a single frame, especially when using small binoculars.
Facts vs. Myths
Regarding the physical effects, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society confirmed that the supermoon will appear 11% larger and approximately 27% brighter than when it is at its apogee (farthest point in the moon's orbit). Addressing concerns often raised about such phenomena, Abu Zahra emphasized that there is no scientific link between supermoons and natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The only scientifically proven effect is the phenomenon of "perigee tides," where the alignment of the Earth, Sun, and Moon leads to a slight increase in high tides and a decrease in low tides—a normal and expected occurrence in coastal areas.
In conclusion, those interested in observing the moon's features, such as craters and mountains, are advised to wait a little before or after the full moon night, when shadows are longer and details stand out more clearly, while Saturday night remains the best night to enjoy the beauty of the moon as a luminous celestial body dominating the night scene.
