January 2026 full 'wolf moon' appears alongside the Quadrantid meteor shower

The January full 'wolf moon' is a supermoon that peaks at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan. 3 and will look about 14% larger; its brightness may reduce visibility of the Quadrantid meteor shower, which also peaks overnight into Saturday morning.

The night sky will feature the January full "wolf moon" at the same time the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak. The moon in this cycle is a supermoon and will appear larger and brighter than at other times. Skywatching guides note the moon will be near Jupiter and the twin stars of Gemini, which adds to its apparent brightness. Meteor shower activity and moonlight overlap in the same overnight period, and that overlap is the reason this pairing is being noted. Key details: - The January full "wolf moon" peaks at 5:03 a.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 3, and is described as a supermoon. - Because the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, it will appear about 14% larger and brighter and will look full on both nights. - The moon will be near Jupiter and the bright stars of Gemini, increasing its apparent light in the night sky. - The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Friday night into Saturday morning and can produce bright, short-lived fireballs. - The Quadrantids come from debris left by asteroid 2003 EH1, and moonlight is expected to reduce how many meteors are visible. Summary: The bright January supermoon will peak early on Jan. 3 and is likely to make the night sky noticeably brighter. That increased light could reduce the number of meteors observers can see during the Quadrantid peak, which occurs overnight into Saturday morning.