The start of January 2026 brings a special treat: the first supermoon of the year coincides with the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower, means we’re in for a show with both a Super Wolf Moon and a chance to see shooting stars. Astronomy enthusiasts are excited about this extraordinary celestial event, as the meteor is expected to produce an intense outburst of shooting stars.

Why the Quadrantids are Worth Watching

The Quadrantids are one of the first big meteor showers each year, and what makes them different is that they hit their peak fast and strong. Most meteor showers come from comets, but the Quadrantids seem to come from an object called 2003 EH1, which may be a dormant or “rock” comet. If you watch on the night of January 3rd, going into the morning of January 4th, you might see many meteors, with NASA estimating that if you’re in a dark-sky area, you could see tens of meteors every hour, appearing as bright streaks across the night sky.

If you want to see the meteor shower, try to find a spot away from city lights, and give your eyes some time to get used to the dark. Looking north and trying to keep the moon behind you can help you spot meteors more easily against the dark sky.

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Supermoon Brings Brightness & Challenges

To make things even more interesting, the first supermoon of 2026 is happening at the same time as the Quadrantids, also called the Super Wolf Moon because the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it look bigger and brighter than usual. The Super Wolf Moon will be at its brightest early on January 3rd, making the night sky look amazing.

The supermoon’s brightness might make it difficult to see dim meteors, and it can hide them, but you should still be able to see bright meteors and fireballs, although it won’t be as good as if the sky were darker, according to experts.

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Best Times and Viewing Tips

The best time to watch the Quadrantids is usually early morning, just before dawn, preferably after midnight local time, since the shower peak lasts only a few hours. Since it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere, make sure to dress warmly and bring a chair or blanket so you can lie back and look at the sky comfortably.

If you’re in another part of the Northern Hemisphere, you’re in a good spot to see the shower, making sure that clear skies and minimal light are essential for seeing as many meteors as possible. So, get ready for a great start to 2026! We’re getting a rare combination of events: a supermoon and a Quadrantid meteor shower happening at the same time. It’s going to be a fantastic show with a bright moon and shooting stars lighting up the January sky.

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