The next full moon is a January wolf supermoon that peaks on Jan. 3, 2026, at 5:03 a.m. ET and will rise the nights of Jan. 2–3. The Moon will be near perigee (about 226,000 miles away), making it appear larger and brighter. Its peak coincides with the Quadrantid meteor shower (Dec. 28–Jan. 12), which can produce many bright fireballs but will be partially obscured by the bright moonlight. Observers should aim for a dark site and check local moonset times for the best chance to see meteors.
When Is the Next Full Moon? January's Wolf Supermoon Peaks Jan. 3 — Watch the Quadrantids
The next full moon will be the first of 2026 — a January wolf supermoon that will climb through the constellation Gemini during the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower and remain prominent across the weekend.
When to Watch
The wolf supermoon will rise along the eastern horizon around sunset on the nights of Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2–3, 2026. Peak illumination occurs on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 5:03 a.m. ET. As the night progresses the Moon will appear larger and take on a warm yellowish glow near midnight before it sets in the west.
What Makes It a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the Moon is full while near perigee — the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. According to NASA, this full Moon will be roughly 226,000 miles from Earth, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than an average full Moon. Supermoons commonly appear in runs of three or four; this series began in September 2025 and continues through January 2026.
The Quadrantid Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids run from Dec. 28, 2025 through Jan. 12, 2026, peaking the night of Jan. 3–4. Known for brief but intense activity, the Quadrantids can produce up to about 200 bright fireball meteors per hour during a short peak window (sometimes only a few hours). The shower is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere around midnight into the predawn hours.
NASA traces the Quadrantids to asteroid 2003 EH1, which orbits the Sun every 5.52 years and may be a "dead comet" or "rock comet."
Moonlight Will Affect Visibility
Because the wolf supermoon will be bright on the Quadrantid peak night, moonlight is likely to drown out all but the brightest meteors. Expect the full Moon to significantly reduce the number of visible streaks — especially faint meteors — so observers may only see the most luminous fireballs unless the Moon sets early for your location.
Viewing Tips
- Go to the darkest possible location, away from city lights, and allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- Best viewing is between midnight and the predawn hours; check local moonrise and moonset times — if the Moon sets before the shower peak where you are, your chances improve.
- No special equipment is needed; a reclining lawn chair and a wide view of the sky are ideal. Binoculars or a camera with a wide lens can help capture brighter meteors.
Key Dates
New Moon: Dec. 19, 2025
First Quarter: Dec. 27, 2025
Full Moon (Wolf Supermoon): Jan. 3, 2026 (Peak 5:03 a.m. ET)
Last Quarter: Jan. 10, 2026
New Moon: Jan. 18, 2026
First Quarter: Jan. 25, 2026
The winter solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, brings the shortest day of the year with about 9 hours, 17 minutes of daylight.
Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic region. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com.
