The new year is getting off to a spectacular start in the night sky, with two major astronomical events unfolding on the same day. Stargazers will be treated to both the first full moon of the year — a supermoon — and the peak of one of the strongest meteor showers, making Jan. 3 a standout date for skywatching enthusiasts.
According to astronomy experts, winter is one of the best seasons for stargazing, thanks to longer nights, clearer air, and darker skies. This year, early January delivers a rare pairing that blends lunar brilliance with streaks of cosmic light.
The first full moon of 2026: The Wolf Moon
The first full moon of the year is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in folklore. According to EarthSky, the name comes from the belief that wolves were especially active in January, often howling during long, cold winter nights.
This year’s Wolf Moon is especially notable because it will also be a supermoon, reaching peak illumination in the early morning hours of Jan. 3.
Why this Wolf Moon is a supermoon
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns closely with perigee, the point at which the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit.
Key details about the Jan. 3 supermoon:
- Distance from Earth: 225,130 miles
- Average full moon distance: about 240,000 miles
- Appearance: larger and noticeably brighter than a typical full moon
According to NASA, supermoons only happen three to four times a year and always occur in a sequence, making this first one of 2026 a special moment for observers.
Quadrantid meteor shower peaks the same day
Adding to the excitement, the Quadrantid meteor shower is also expected to peak on Saturday, Jan. 3, creating a rare double celestial event.
The Quadrantids are known for:
- Bright fireball-like meteors
- Sharp, intense peaks
- Short but active viewing windows
Under dark-sky conditions, skywatchers may see up to 25 meteors per hour, and in ideal circumstances, rates can climb as high as 100 meteors per hour, according to The Planetary Society.
Supermoon light may affect meteor visibility
While the pairing of a supermoon and meteor shower is exciting, there is one drawback. The bright moonlight from the Wolf Moon may wash out fainter meteors, making them harder to spot this year.
However, experts say the Quadrantids’ tendency to produce brighter-than-average meteors means patient viewers could still catch impressive streaks across the sky.
Read Also: First Meteor Shower of 2026 Peaks This Weekend, but Moonlight May Limit the Show
Best tips for viewing both events
NASA recommends a few key steps to improve your chances of seeing both the supermoon and meteor activity:
- Choose a wide-open area with a clear view of the sky
- Stay far from city lights
- Avoid locations with trees, buildings, or mountains blocking the horizon
- Allow your eyes at least 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark
- Avoid looking at phone screens or bright lights while observing
Meteor showers are best viewed without telescopes or binoculars, as the naked eye offers the widest field of view.
A strong start to the year for skywatchers
The combination of a supermoon Wolf Moon and the Quadrantid meteor shower makes Jan. 3 one of the most visually compelling nights to open 2026. While moonlight may limit meteor counts, the rarity of two major astronomical events aligning on the same day adds to the significance.
Astronomy experts say this early display sets the tone for a year filled with notable sky events, encouraging people to look up more often and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the universe.
Are you planning to step outside and watch the sky on Jan. 3? Share where you’ll be viewing from and what you’re hoping to see in the comments, and join the conversation as 2026 begins with a cosmic show.
