Witness the awe-inspiring 'Snow Moon' rising in February 2026: A celestial spectacle unfolds
The second of 13 full moons in 2026, the 'Snow Moon' will grace the night sky on February 1, 2026. Named for the wintry landscapes of North America, this full moon will be a sight to behold. But here's the intriguing part: it will rise alongside a stunning star cluster, and just a day after its peak, it will occult a bright star, a rare occurrence that won't recur until 2035. This celestial event will be visible from North America, offering a unique opportunity for skywatchers.
The 'Snow Moon' will be at its most spectacular when it first appears above the eastern horizon during dusk. The best viewing experience will be during 'blue hour,' when the moon rises into the fading daylight, creating a dramatic contrast. In western North America, this will occur on February 1st.
Native American folklore names this full moon with intriguing titles: Bald Eagle Moon, Bear Moon, and Raccoon Moon. These names add a layer of cultural richness to the celestial spectacle.
On February 2nd, the day after the full moon, the moon will occult Regulus, the 21st brightest star in the night sky, as seen from parts of North America. This occultation will last for about an hour, providing another unique viewing opportunity.
The following new moon will bring an annular 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse on February 17th. During this event, 96% of the sun will be covered by the moon for up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds, visible only from remote regions of Antarctica.
The 'Snow Moon' is just one of 13 full moons in 2026, a year with a unique lunar calendar. The next full moon, the 'Worm Moon,' will bring a total lunar 'Blood Moon' eclipse on March 3rd, visible from western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, and the Pacific. This will be the last total lunar eclipse until 2029.
For those eager to explore more celestial wonders, Forbes offers a guide to stargazing and astronomy in 2026, as well as a comprehensive full moon calendar for the year.
