Overview
- Peak illumination occurs at 5:03 a.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 3, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and the Moon will look full on the surrounding nights.
- With the full phase near perigee, the event qualifies as a supermoon that can appear modestly larger and brighter than average, consistent with NASA’s definition.
- The Quadrantid meteor shower runs Dec. 28–Jan. 12 and is expected to peak around early Jan. 4, but the bright Moon will greatly cut the visible count.
- For viewing, catch moonrise for the most striking scene or block the glare and scan the darkest sky after midnight to spot occasional fireballs.
- Early 2026 features more targets, including a Blue Moon year with an extra full moon on May 31 and Jupiter at opposition on Jan. 10 ahead of a February planet parade.