Wolf Supermoon and Quadrantids Promise a Dazzling Sky Show This Weekend

A bright supermoon and the Quadrantid meteor shower will light up the sky this weekend. The full moon on Saturday, January 3, will appear larger and brighter than usual, while the meteor shower reaches its peak the same night. Skywatchers can expect a mix of natural fireworks and lunar brilliance.

The first full moon of 2025, known as the Wolf Supermoon, will rise on January 3. It will look around 14% bigger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. The best views will come at moonrise on January 2 and moonset on January 3.

That same night, the Quadrantid meteor shower will peak. Normally, this shower produces about 25 meteors per hour. However, this year's bright supermoon will reduce visibility, with fewer than 10 fireballs expected each hour. For the best chance of spotting meteors, observers should look northeast in the late hours of Saturday night or before dawn on Sunday.

The Quadrantids last put on a strong show in January 2022, when dark skies made them easily visible across the Northern Hemisphere. This time, lingering meteors may still be seen from January 12 to 16, though in much smaller numbers.

The combination of a supermoon and meteor shower offers a rare celestial display. While moonlight may dim some meteors, the event remains a highlight for stargazers. Clear skies will provide the best opportunity to enjoy both the bright moon and any visible shooting stars.