If you missed out on New Year’s Eve fireworks — not unlikely since the Brooklyn Bridge show didn’t happen as expected — Mother Nature will step in with a dazzling display this weekend.
The massive wolf supermoon and Quadrantids meteor shower will ring in 2026 side by side, and we have all the details you need to know. Here’s what to expect and when to look up to the sky.
The Quadrantids meteor shower kicks off 2026
According to the Farmers Almanac, the Quadrantids meteor shower features an average of 25 meteors per hour at their peak, making it one of the strongest meteor showers of the year. Though it is one of astronomy’s shorter meteor showers, the volume is what makes the show outstanding, per Farmers Almanac.
This particular happening might not be quite as intense, so be prepared. The American Meteor Society indicates that there are likely going to be less than 10 fireballs per hour and will peak on Saturday, January 3rd.
The reason for less vigor? The full moon. Given that the January full moon is a supermoon — it will appear roughly 14% larger and 30% brighter than the usual full moon. It appears both celestial happenings will be vying for everyones’ attention.
Should you have your heart set on the meteor shower, the pros suggest looking northeast late at night on Saturday or early morning on Sunday. Per Secret NYC’s previous reporting, the moon will be its most glorious when it is low on the horizon during moonrise and moonset:
- Friday, January 2nd: 4:40 pm
- Saturday, January 3rd: 4:41 pm
But there is some good news if the Quadrantids meteor shower isn’t as potent as it usually is, star gazers can catch fragments of the spectacle until January 12-16th or so. Fingers crossed for a glowing celestial lineup.