Astronomy enthusiasts and natural phenomenon aficionados across the Arab world will be turning their gaze to the skies on Saturday evening, January 3, 2026, to witness the first supermoon of the new year. This remarkable astronomical event combines visual beauty with fascinating scientific facts. Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, confirmed that this event marks a promising start to a year full of astronomical phenomena, as the moon will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
What is a supermoon and why does it happen?
The term "supermoon" is more of a popular, rather than strictly scientific, designation. It refers to the moon when it is full (or new moon) and at its perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit closest to Earth. On this particular night, precise astronomical calculations indicate that the moon will be approximately 362,312 kilometers from our planet. This relatively close distance makes the moon appear up to 11% larger and about 27% brighter to observers compared to when it is at apogee (its farthest point from Earth).
Double astronomical scene: the Moon and Jupiter
What makes this night special is not only the size and brightness of the moon, but also its coincidence with another astronomical event that lends a special magic to the sky: the optical conjunction with Jupiter, the giant of the solar system. Although the two celestial bodies are separated by millions of kilometers in deep space, they will appear close together in the sky, providing an ideal opportunity for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts to capture images that combine the bright details of the moon's surface with the distinctive brilliance of Jupiter. This spectacle can be easily observed with the naked eye or using small binoculars.
Physical effects: tides
From a scientific and geophysical perspective, the appearance of a supermoon is linked to a phenomenon known as "perigee tide." As a result of the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, gravitational forces combine to produce a noticeable effect on the movement of water bodies, leading to a rise in tide levels and a greater drop in low tide. Although this effect is natural and expected, it may be more pronounced in open coastal areas, and it is a purely physical phenomenon that should not cause concern.
Debunking myths and presenting scientific facts
Historically, the supermoon phenomenon has been associated in popular culture with certain myths claiming a connection between the moon's proximity and the occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, scientists and astronomical societies, including the Jeddah Astronomical Society, categorically assert that there is no scientific evidence linking these geological phenomena to the moon's movement. While the energy generated by the moon's gravity does affect tides, it is far too weak to move Earth's tectonic plates or cause seismic activity.
Best times for observation and photography
Abu Zahra noted that the full moon will occur at 1:02 PM Mecca time, but the true beauty of observing it begins with sunset and the moon rising from the eastern horizon. At that moment, the moon may take on a warm orange or reddish hue due to the scattering of light through the Earth's atmosphere, before rising higher and regaining its bright silver color. Photographers are advised to take advantage of the moonrise to capture images of the moon alongside landmarks and buildings, as this creates the "moon illusion" phenomenon, making it appear exceptionally large against the horizon.
