The first full moon of 2026 is a wolf supermoon that peaks at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan. 3 and will appear larger because it will be about 226,000 miles from Earth. It rises the weekend of Jan. 2–3 in Gemini and coincides with the Quadrantid meteor shower peak on the night of Jan. 3–4. The Quadrantids can produce many bright fireballs, but the bright full Moon will likely hide all but the brightest meteors. Key moon phase dates and viewing tips are provided.
Wolf Supermoon Peaks Jan. 3 — How to See It (and the Quadrantid Meteor Shower)
The first full moon of 2026 will be a striking wolf supermoon, rising over the eastern horizon during the weekend of Jan. 2–3 and reaching peak illumination in the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026. The Moon will appear larger and brighter than usual because it will be near perigee — about 226,000 miles from Earth — and it will remain prominent across several nights.
When And Where To Watch
The wolf supermoon will climb above the eastern horizon around sunset on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2–3, and will be visible through the night. Peak illumination is forecast at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2026. Look for the Moon low on the horizon at moonrise and higher and brighter later in the night, often taking on a warm, yellowish tint when near the horizon.
What Makes A Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full Moon coincides with perigee, the point in the Moon's orbit closest to Earth. At roughly 226,000 miles away, the Moon can appear noticeably larger and more luminous than a typical full Moon, an effect enhanced by the familiar horizon illusion.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower — Timing And Outlook
The wolf supermoon coincides with the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower, which runs from Dec. 28, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2026, with its sharp peak on the night of Jan. 3–4. The Quadrantids can produce numerous bright fireballs — as many as up to 200 per hour in a brief peak window — but those rates occur within a narrow several-hour interval and require dark skies.
Unfortunately, the bright light of the full wolf supermoon is likely to wash out all but the brightest meteors during this year’s peak, so expect fewer visible meteors unless you focus on the brightest fireballs.
Origin And Viewing Tips
The Quadrantids originate from asteroid 2003 EH1, which has a roughly 5.52-year orbit and may be a dormant ("dead") comet or a rocky remnant. For best meteor-viewing:
- Go to the darkest possible site, away from city lights.
- Allow ~30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
- Watch after midnight into the predawn hours when meteor rates are normally highest.
- Turn your gaze slightly away from the full Moon—this helps reveal fainter meteors that the moonlight would otherwise obscure.
Moon Phases And Key Dates
- First Quarter: Dec. 27, 2025
- Full Moon (Wolf Supermoon): Jan. 3, 2026 — Peak illumination 5:03 a.m. ET
- Last Quarter: Jan. 10, 2026
- New Moon: Jan. 18, 2026
- First Quarter: Jan. 25, 2026
Why It’s Called The Wolf Moon
This January full moon is traditionally called the wolf moon, a name popularized by the Old Farmer’s Almanac and linked to increased wolf vocal activity during winter months. Full-moon names reflect a mix of Native American, Colonial American and European folk traditions.
Final Notes
If you want local sunrise, sunset or moonrise times, consult a trusted almanac, astronomy app or an online astronomical calculator for your location. The bright wolf supermoon will make for excellent photography and a great opportunity to enjoy the lunar spectacle, even if fainter Quadrantid meteors are less visible.
Sources: NASA, Space.com, the Old Farmer's Almanac, Smithsonian Institution.
By Maria Francis — Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic. Originally appeared on NorthJersey.com.
