The January 2026 Wolf Moon and ISS Flyby: A Celestial Spectacle

The full moon of January 2026, often called the Wolf Moon, rose on the evenings of January 3rd and 4th, captivating skywatchers with its brilliance. This particular full moon was especially noteworthy as it coincided with a beautiful conjunction with the planet jupiter and, remarkably, featured the International Space Station (ISS) passing directly in front of it, creating a stunning photographic prospect.

what is a Wolf Moon?

The name “Wolf Moon” originates from Native American folklore, traditionally associated with this time of year when wolves were more frequently heard howling during winter months . It represents the frist full moon of the year. Full moons occur when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, fully illuminating the lunar surface.

A rare Photographic Capture

Astrophotographer Tianyao Yang, based in Shanghai, china, captured an extraordinary image of the January Wolf Moon with the ISS traversing its face. This wasn’t a simple snapshot; the image is a composite created by stitching together multiple frames captured at high speed.

Yang used a Sony A1 camera with a Sony 600mm lens and iOptron HST mount to capture the event. The ISS, traveling at approximately 17,500 mph, crossed the Moon in less than a second, requiring a continuous shooting mode of 30 frames per second to successfully document the passage. The image was captured on January 3, 2026, at 20:57:46 China Standard Time (12:57 UTC).

Scale of the Cosmos

The photograph provides a compelling sense of scale.The International Space Station orbits Earth at around 400km (250 miles), while the Moon is an immense 385,000km (239,000 miles) distant . The fact that both appeared in the same frame is a testament to both Yang’s skill and a fortunate alignment of celestial bodies.

Looking Ahead: Artemis II and Lunar Exploration

this captivating image arrives as NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission-scheduled for early 2026-which will once again send humans around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. This upcoming mission and the stunning photograph of the ISS and Wolf Moon serve as powerful reminders of humanity’s continued connection to, and exploration of, our closest celestial neighbor.

Image Capture Details:

• Equipment: Sony A1 camera, Sony 600mm f/4 G Master lens with 2× teleconverter, iOptron HST equatorial mount
• Software Settings: ISO 500, 1/3200s, 30 frames per second continuous shooting
• Processing: Frame selection and stacking using image processing software

For more of Tianyao Yang’s breathtaking astrophotography, visit his Instagram page: @tythunder17.