Forget fireworks, the new year is starting with a different kind of bang in the night sky, courtesy of Mother Nature. This weekend brings January’s full wolf moon, which also happens to be a supermoon, alongside the annual Quadrantid meteor shower. The catch is that the moon’s glow will steal some of the spotlight from the meteors. But with the right timing and expectations, there’s plenty worth stepping outside for.
Here’s how to see the supermoon and the meteor shower this weekend from all across the U.S..
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, a point known as perigee. The timing results in a moon that looks noticeably bigger and brighter than usual. In this case, it can appear up to 14 percent larger and about 30 percent brighter than a micromoon, which is when the moon is farthest away from Earth.
January’s full moon is called the wolf moon, a name tied to increased wolf howling during midwinter, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
When to see this weekend's supermoon
The wolf supermoon reaches peak illumination around 5am ET on Saturday, January 3. You don’t need to be up at dawn to enjoy it, however. With clear skies, the moon will look full and bright from the evening of January 2 through the morning of January 3.
For the most dramatic view, plan to watch during moonrise or moonset, around sunset and sunrise.
How to see this weekend's supermoon
This is the easiest sky event to catch. You don’t need dark skies or special equipment. The supermoon is bright enough to enjoy with the naked eye from anywhere.
If you can, find a spot with a clear view of the horizon, especially toward the northeast at moonrise. When the moon is low, it often looks oversized and glows orange due to the way its light passes through Earth’s atmosphere. Binoculars or a small telescope can add detail, but your eyes are more than enough.
When is this weekend's meteor shower happening?
The Quadrantid meteor shower is active through January 16, but it peaks this weekend. Peak activity runs from about 4 to 7pm ET on Saturday, January 3, though the best viewing window is from midnight to dawn early Sunday morning.
How to see this weekend's meteor shower
Unfortunately, this peak coincides with the full supermoon. The bright moonlight will wash out many of the fainter meteors, but you still might catch a few. To improve your odds, face northeast and keep the moon behind you. With clear skies, you might spot up to five Quadrantid meteors per hour.
The Quadrantids are known for bright fireballs and lingering trails, even if they’re harder to see this year. If you don't spot any, EarthSky has a list of all the upcoming meteor showers this year.