A brand-new lunar cycle kicks off on Monday, laying the groundwork for a remarkable celestial sequence that culminates in the first of four consecutive supermoons.

Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, this new moon initiates a fortnightly progression toward the full Beaver Moon, slated to rise on Nov. 24. This upcoming full moon shatters an almost eleven-month drought, marking the initial event in a striking series stretching forward through February 2027.

Stealing the spotlight will be the full Cold Moon arriving on Christmas Eve, which stands out as the most luminous and proximate full moon of 2026. Following an extensive hiatus, stargazers are suddenly poised for an extraordinary influx of lunar spectacles.

Understanding the Lunar Transition

A new moon takes place when the lunar body positions itself directly between our planet and the solar orb. Because the illuminated hemisphere faces away from Earth, the visible side remains shrouded in shadow, rendering it virtually invisible against the sun's intense glare. Consequently, the seven-day window surrounding a new moon offers optimal conditions for astronomers and stargazers due to the complete absence of lunar illumination.

Serving as the genesis of a fresh lunar cycle, the new moon is soon followed by a slender crescent appearing low in the western horizon at dusk. This sliver expands incrementally each evening, passing through the first quarter phase before culminating in a full moon roughly two weeks later.

Thus, Monday's new moon officially initiates the countdown to a sequence of supermoons not witnessed in nearly a year.

The Upcoming Supermoon Schedule

While astronomy lacks a strict, universal definition for a supermoon, the term generally describes a full moon aligning closely with its perigee—the point in its elliptical orbit where it comes closest to Earth—appearing roughly larger and brighter than standard full moons. Specifically, this applies when the full moon occurs within 90 percent of its absolute closest approach. Skywatchers can anticipate the following fourfold lineup:

  • Super Beaver Moon on Nov. 24, marking the first occurrence since January.
  • Super Cold Moon on Dec. 24, delivering the closest and brightest full moon experience of 2026.
  • Super Wolf Moon on Jan. 22, 2027, nearly rivaling the brilliance of the December peak.
  • Super Snow Moon on Feb. 20, 2027, arriving in tandem with a penumbral lunar eclipse.

A Unique Supermoon Lunar Eclipse

The grand finale of this four-part series arrives with an added celestial bonus. On Feb. 20, 2027, the full Snow Moon tracks through the outer fringes of Earth's shadow, generating a penumbral lunar eclipse. Unlike dramatic total lunar eclipses that bathe the moon in a crimson hue, this event bypasses Earth's dark central umbra, preventing any deep red transformation. Instead, spectators may observe a gentle, subtle dimming across a segment of the lunar disc at peak eclipse. This fascinating phenomenon will be readily observable across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and vast expanses of North and South America.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.