The First «Supermoon» of the Year, Don’t Miss It!

The first «supermoon» of 2026 will appear in the night sky at 18:03 on January 3rd. If the weather is clear, the public will be able to admire a «large moon» resembling a «jade mirror» shortly after sunset.

«Supermoon» refers to a full moon at perigee. Because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, the distance between the Moon and Earth constantly changes. When a full moon occurs near perigee, the Moon appears larger and brighter than usual.

«Supermoon» is not a rare occurrence. There were 3 in the past year, 2025, and there will be 2 in 2026, falling on January 3rd and December 24th, respectively—one at the beginning and one at the end of the year. The one in December will be the largest, also the biggest full moon of the year.

Whenever a «supermoon» appears in the night sky, it always inspires people to pick up their cameras or phones to capture it. So, how can one best view and photograph the first «supermoon» of 2026?

Taking the Beijing area as an example, moonrise will occur before sunset. Affected by the evening sunlight, the moon will not appear very bright initially. As night falls, the moon will become increasingly clear and bright. No astronomical equipment is needed for moon viewing; the naked eye is sufficient.

The moon feels different at different times. «The moon appears largest just after it rises or before it sets; this is a visual illusion. When the moon is near the horizon, influenced by ground reference points and atmospheric factors, it appears exceptionally large, as if you could reach out and touch it. Therefore, watching the moon just as it rises above the horizon provides the most stunning visual experience. As the moon gradually climbs to its zenith, its color will also change from a warm red to a cool gray. When the moon reaches its highest altitude for the night, moonlight is less affected by Earth’s atmosphere and appears exceptionally bright. However, throughout this process, the actual size of the moon does not change.»

How can photography enthusiasts capture creative moon photos? Common creative photos mainly fall into three categories: interaction between people and the moon, such as «holding» the moon; combination with landmarks, such as framing the moon with skyscrapers or ancient architecture; and integration with everyday scenes, such as the moon reflected in a car window or on water.

«Generally speaking, whether using a camera or a phone, a medium to long telephoto lens is needed; the longer the focal length of the lens, the larger the moon will appear. If shooting scenes combining people or scenery with the moon, it’s best to choose the blue hour—the brief period just before sunrise or after sunset. At this time, there is still some ambient light, and the contrast between the subject/scenery and the moon’s brightness is not too great, making the combination appear more natural.»

jade mirror

The «Jade Mirror» (玉鏡) is a famous natural rock formation in Taiwan’s Taroko National Park, named for its smooth, greenish marble surface that resembles polished jade. It was formed over millions of years by the erosive force of the Liwu River cutting through marble and gneiss. The site is a key scenic stop along the Taroko Gorge trail, showcasing the powerful geological history that created one of Taiwan’s most dramatic landscapes.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the imperial capital for much of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a legacy visible in sites like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Today, it is a major global city and political center, blending ancient architecture with modern skyscrapers.

skyscrapers

Skyscrapers are exceptionally tall, continuously habitable buildings that symbolize modern urban architecture and economic ambition. Their history began in late 19th-century cities like Chicago and New York, driven by steel-frame construction and elevators, which allowed buildings to soar beyond traditional height limits. Today, they define city skylines worldwide, representing technological progress and concentrated human activity.

ancient architecture

Ancient architecture refers to the structural designs and building techniques of early civilizations, such as those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, dating from roughly 3,000 BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. These structures, including pyramids, temples, and aqueducts, were often built for religious, political, or public purposes and showcase advanced engineering for their time. They provide invaluable insight into the technological achievements, societal values, and artistic expression of ancient cultures.