January's Wolf Supermoon and Quadrantid Meteor Shower: What to Expect

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AI Summary
This weekend, El Pasoans can witness the first full moon of 2026, known as the wolf moon, which will reach its peak brightness on Saturday at 5:03 a.m. ET. However, the moon's brightness may hinder visibility of the Quadrantid meteor shower, which peaks on the same day from 4 to 7 p.m. ET, with optimal viewing from midnight to dawn on Sunday. The Quadrantids are expected to produce up to ten meteors per hour, but the bright moonlight will obscure many of them. This celestial event is significant as it coincides with NASA's upcoming Artemis II mission, encouraging residents to appreciate the night sky and consider future astronomical events throughout the year.
Key Details: • Wolf moon peaks at 5:03 a.m. ET on Saturday, January 3. • Quadrantid meteor shower active until January 16, with peak viewing from midnight to dawn on January 4. • Best viewing conditions: face northeast with the moon at your back. • Upcoming meteor showers include Lyrids on April 21-22 and Perseids on August 12-13.