On Saturday, January 3, 2026, skywatchers will be treated to a remarkable celestial event, featuring the first full moon of the year alongside the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower. This exciting combination promises a rare double spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts.
Active from December 28 through January 12, the Quadrantids are one of the year’s noteworthy meteor showers, even if they don’t receive as much recognition as the more famous Perseids in August or the Geminids in December. The Quadrantids will reach their peak on January 3 at approximately 4 p.m. EST (21:00 UTC), which is expected to yield about 25 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. However, the brightness of the full moon this year will lead to challenging viewing conditions, likely reducing the number of visible shooting stars to around 10 per hour.
The Quadrantid meteor shower is unique due to its narrow peak, lasting only about six hours, meaning North American observers should be prepared to watch as soon as darkness falls. While the Quadrantids tend to be faint, they are also known for occasionally producing spectacular bright “fireballs.”
To locate these meteors, skywatchers can look towards the northern sky where they will appear to radiate from the constellation Boötes. The meteor shower derives its name from the former constellation Quadrans Muralis. A useful tip for viewers is to visualize this radiant origin by looking near the handle of the Big Dipper.
The source of the Quadrantids is a narrow stream of dust and debris from an object known as 2003 EH, which is speculated to be either an asteroid or an extinct comet. Earth passes through this stream annually in January, creating the shower as these tiny particles burn up upon entering the atmosphere.
Following the Quadrantids, sky enthusiasts can look forward to the Lyrid meteor shower in April, with its peak occurring on the night of April 21-22. Under crescent moon conditions, observers can expect about 18 meteors per hour during this event.
For the best chance of witnessing meteors, finding a location with an unobstructed view of the night sky is crucial. Despite the bright moon during the Quadrantids, positioning oneself with the moon behind will enhance the likelihood of spotting these ephemeral shooting stars. This celestial event not only offers an opportunity for stargazers to marvel at nature’s wonders, but it also serves as a reminder of the fascinating dynamics of our solar system.