The Wolf Moon, marking the first full moon of the year, will shine brightly this weekend. This year, it coincides with the Quadrantid meteor shower, but the moonlight may make it harder to see the meteors.
Expect the moon to appear larger and brighter, especially around New Year’s Eve. It will reach its peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday. Noah Petro, a NASA expert, mentions that the full appearance of the moon can be seen the day before and the day after this date.
Due to the brightness of the Wolf Moon, spotting the Quadrantids won’t be easy. They’ll peak in activity between 4 and 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, yet the best viewing time is from midnight to dawn on Sunday, according to Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society.
January’s Wolf Moon is also the first supermoon of 2026, which means it’s closer to Earth than usual. This makes it appear bigger and brighter. It’s one of the three closest moons this year. Petro adds that while supermoons can be impressive, they require a keen eye to notice the difference from regular full moons.
NASA offers visual aids to help identify lunar phases. For viewing the moon, no special equipment is necessary. Your eyes will do, but scopes and binoculars can enhance the experience. Ideally, find a dark spot with a clear view, though your familiar hangout can work too.
Petro emphasizes the magic of moon-gazing: “Being in a meaningful place makes it special.” With NASA’s Artemis II mission scheduled for early February, now’s a great time to observe the moon. This mission will mark the first crewed voyage beyond Earth’s orbit in over fifty years.
The term “Wolf Moon” originates from the sound of wolves during this time of year, as noted by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The Sioux language translates it as “wolves run together.” There are also alternative names from various Native American tribes, highlighting the cultural significance of this lunar phase.
The Quadrantids will remain active until January 16. These meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Boötes. However, with the full moon’s brightness, only a few meteors per hour may be visible. Lunsford suggests watching with the bright moon behind you to improve your chances.
Even though many may miss this meteor shower, several others will follow throughout 2026, including the famous Perseids in August, ideal for viewing under dark skies.
Here’s a look at some upcoming meteor showers in 2026:
- Lyrids: April 21-22
- Eta Aquariids: May 5-6
- Perseids: August 12-13
- Orionids: October 21-22
- Geminids: December 13-14
Mark your calendars for 2026’s full moons and their nicknames:
- February 1: Snow Moon
- March 3: Worm Moon
- April 1: Pink Moon
- May 1: Flower Moon
- June 29: Strawberry Moon
- July 29: Buck Moon
- August 28: Sturgeon Moon
- September 26: Harvest Moon
- October 26: Hunter’s Moon
- November 24: Beaver Moon
- December 23: Cold Moon
Each full moon and meteor shower brings an opportunity to connect with the night sky. Whether you see the bright moon or catch a glimpse of a shooting star, take the time to enjoy these celestial events.
