February's Full Snow Moon to Illuminate the Night Sky This Weekend

The Full Snow Moon will reach its peak illumination on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 5:09 p.m. EST, offering skywatchers a bright lunar display. This full moon, traditionally called the Snow Moon due to the heavy snowfall typically experienced in February, will be visible across the United States.

In addition to its peak on Sunday, the moon will appear full on Saturday and Monday, providing multiple opportunities for observation. The moon will rise around sunset and set around sunrise, making it visible throughout the night.

On February 2, 2026, a rare celestial event will occur as the nearly full moon passes directly in front of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, causing the star to temporarily disappear from view. This lunar occultation will be visible to the naked eye from the eastern half of North America and parts of northwest and west Africa. In New York City, for example, Regulus will vanish at 8:51 p.m. EST and reappear at 9:54 p.m. EST.

Noah Petro, chief of NASA's Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, encourages people to observe the moon during this period. He suggests that by observing the moon in its various phases, individuals can learn about its geography and appreciate its features. Petro notes that while the moon's light and dark areas are visible to the naked eye, using a telescope can reveal craters and surface details.

The February full moon is also known by other names, including the Hungry Moon, Bear Moon, and Groundhog Moon, reflecting various cultural traditions.