Overview
- The full moon occurs near lunar perigee, making it a supermoon that can appear up to about 14% larger and roughly 30% brighter than an apogee full moon.
- Best viewing is at moonrise on January 3 when the moon looms low on the eastern horizon and traces the highest full-moon arc of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks January 3–4 but most activity will be washed out by the bright moonlight, though occasional bright fireballs remain possible, according to the American Meteor Society.
- Jupiter will appear close to the moon on January 3 and reaches opposition on January 10, providing an exceptionally bright target for skywatchers.
- This is the fourth straight supermoon and the last until late 2026, with the year featuring 13 full moons including a Blue Moon in May.