Luxembourg Kicks Off 2026 with 'Super' Wolf Moon and Quadrantids Meteor Shower

January 2026 Opens with Dual Celestial Events

The new year in Luxembourg commences with a captivating astronomical display, as the 'Super' Wolf Moon graces the night sky on January 3, 2026, coinciding with the peak of the annual Quadrantids meteor shower on January 3-4. While the bright moonlight from the full moon is expected to interfere with meteor visibility, both events promise a memorable start to the year for skygazers.

The 'Super' Wolf Moon Illuminates the Night

The first full moon of 2026, traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, will also be a 'Supermoon'. This phenomenon occurs when a full moon nearly coincides with the Moon's perigee, its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. As a result, the Moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. On January 3, 2026, the Moon will be 100% illuminated. The name 'Wolf Moon' originates from folklore, referring to the time of year when wolves were often heard howling during the cold winter nights. This particular 'Super' Wolf Moon is considered the first and most significant of 2026 and is also the fourth and final in a series of supermoons that began in late 2025. Adding to its brilliance, the event occurs close to Earth's perihelion, its closest approach to the Sun, providing an additional boost in brightness.

Quadrantids Meteor Shower Peaks Amidst Moonlight

Running from late December 2025 to early January 2026, the Quadrantids meteor shower is set to reach its peak activity during the night of January 3-4, 2026. This shower is unique as its parent body is believed to be the asteroid 2003 EH1, possibly an extinct comet, rather than a typical comet. The Quadrantids are known for their sharp, brief peak, lasting only a few hours, and for producing bright meteors, including notable fireballs. Under ideal dark sky conditions, the shower can yield up to 120 meteors per hour.

Viewing Opportunities in Luxembourg

For observers in Luxembourg, the bright 'Super' Wolf Moon will present a challenge for viewing the Quadrantids. The intense moonlight will likely obscure all but the brightest meteors, reducing the visible hourly rate significantly, potentially to fewer than 10-25 meteors per hour. The meteor shower's radiant, the point from which meteors appear to originate, is located near the Big Dipper, between the constellations Boötes and Draco, an area best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere.

To maximize the chances of spotting some of the brighter Quadrantid fireballs, enthusiasts are advised to seek out a dark viewing location, such as the remote Oesling region in northern Luxembourg. Utilizing a natural obstruction like a tree or ridge to block the direct glare of the Moon can also improve visibility. The 'Super' Wolf Moon itself will be a prominent feature, rising in the eastern sky after sunset and appearing close to Jupiter.