The Snow Moon rises at the heart of winter, carrying both seasonal meaning and rare skywatching drama. In early February 2026, this full Moon becomes more than a bright winter beacon, lining up with stars and clusters in a way that feels almost theatrical. As it climbs above the eastern horizon, its glow dominates the constellation Cancer, brushing past the Beehive Cluster and setting up a striking lunar astronomy event.
Later that same night, observers across eastern North America will witness something even rarer. The Moon's steady motion will cause it to pass directly in front of Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, making it briefly vanish. These Moon-covered star moments don't happen often, and when they do, they remind us how dynamic the night sky really is.
Snow Moon Date, Time, and Visibility Details
The Snow Moon reaches peak fullness on February 1, 2026, at 22:09 UTC (5:09 p.m. EST), when the Moon, Earth, and Sun align in opposition. This lunar astronomy event spans the nights of February 1 and 2, appearing full to the naked eye and rising just after sunset in the east. Its timing makes it easy to spot, even for casual observers stepping outside after dinner.
Because the Moon is near perigee, it appears slightly larger and brighter than average. When it first rises, atmospheric effects give it an orange-red tint and a magnified appearance known as the Moon illusion. As it climbs higher, it moves through Cancer, setting the stage for its close pass by the Beehive Cluster before drifting toward Leo later in the night.
Key visibility notes:
- Peak illumination occurs early evening in North America
- Best viewing begins shortly after local sunset
- Moon sets toward the west before dawn on February 2
Lunar Astronomy Event: Snow Moon and the Beehive Cluster
This lunar astronomy event brings the Snow Moon into close alignment with the Beehive Cluster, also known as Messier 44. The Beehive is an open cluster about 577 light-years away, containing hundreds of stars that usually appear as a soft, misty patch to the naked eye. When the Moon approaches, its intense glare overwhelms much of that glow, creating the illusion that the cluster is being swallowed.
While this is not a total occultation for all locations, binocular users will notice individual stars disappearing near the Moon's edge and reappearing moments later. The Moon's apparent motion across the sky, roughly its own width each hour, makes the interaction feel gradual and immersive. For North American observers, this close encounter is rare and won't repeat under similar conditions again until the mid-2030s.
What to expect visually:
- Cluster stars fading as the Moon approaches
- Partial immersion lasting 30–60 minutes
- Reemergence of stars along the Moon's bright limb
Moon Covers Star: Regulus Occultation Explained
The most dramatic moment of the weekend comes when the Moon covers a star—specifically Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. Regulus is the 21st brightest star in the night sky and sits almost directly on the Moon's apparent path, making it a perfect target for a lunar occultation. As the Snow Moon glides forward, Regulus will suddenly disappear behind its edge.
This event is visible from much of the eastern half of North America, including the Midwest, East Coast, and eastern Canada. In cities like New York, Boston, and Toronto, the occultation happens between roughly 8:40 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. EST, depending on location. About an hour after vanishing, Regulus reappears on the opposite side of the Moon, a moment known as egress.
Occultation highlights:
- Ingress occurs suddenly, without gradual dimming
- Duration varies by latitude and longitude
- Naked-eye visible, but binoculars enhance the effect
Moon Covers Star: Observing Tips and Equipment
Watching the Moon covers star events doesn't require expensive gear, but a little preparation goes a long way. Binoculars, especially 10×50 models, make it easier to see Regulus hug the Moon's edge before it disappears. A small telescope adds drama, showing the star snap out of view in an instant.
Timing is everything with a lunar astronomy event like this. Skywatching apps such as Stellarium or SkySafari help pinpoint exact ingress and egress times for your location. A tripod is useful for photography, especially if you want to capture the Moon rising over buildings, trees, or winter landscapes for scale and atmosphere.
Practical tips:
- Find a clear eastern or southeastern horizon
- Allow eyes to adjust despite moonlight
- Dress warmly and plan to observe for an hour
Snow Moon Cultural Meaning and Skywatching Preparation
The Snow Moon gets its name from traditional Native American calendars, reflecting the heavy snowfall common in February. Other cultures associate this Moon with endurance, renewal, and the gradual turning toward spring. These layers of meaning add depth to the experience, blending human tradition with precise celestial motion.
Preparing for this lunar astronomy event is simple but worthwhile. Check cloud forecasts, plan your viewing location ahead of time, and arrive early to watch the Moon rise. Winter air often provides steadier atmospheric conditions, leading to sharper views than warmer months.
Preparation checklist:
- Monitor local weather and cloud cover
- Bring warm layers and hand warmers
- Share the view with friends or community groups
Why the Snow Moon and Star Occultation Are Worth Watching
The Snow Moon, this lunar astronomy event, and the moment when the Moon covers star targets like Regulus and the Beehive Cluster come together to create a rare winter sky show. These alignments are reminders that the sky is constantly in motion, even when it seems calm and familiar. With nothing more than clear skies and patience, observers can witness stars vanish and return, right before their eyes.
Unlike fleeting meteor showers or equipment-heavy deep-sky targets, this event is accessible and memorable. Binoculars enhance it, but curiosity alone is enough. For anyone willing to step outside on a cold February night, the Snow Moon delivers a blend of science, tradition, and quiet wonder that lingers long after the Moon sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Snow Moon?
The Snow Moon is the traditional name for February's full Moon. It reflects the heavy snowfall common during this time of year in many regions. Astronomically, it is simply the full Moon occurring in early February. Its name adds cultural context rather than scientific difference.
2. Can I see the Regulus occultation without a telescope?
Yes, the Moon covering Regulus is visible to the naked eye from eastern North America. The star will suddenly disappear rather than fade gradually. Binoculars make the moment more striking and easier to follow. A telescope is optional, not required.
3. Why does the Moon cover stars sometimes?
The Moon's orbit crosses the same region of sky where many bright stars lie. When alignment is precise, the Moon passes directly in front of a star, causing an occultation. These events depend on timing, location, and orbital geometry. That's why they are relatively rare.
4. Will this happen again soon?
Occultations of Regulus occur in cycles over several years. While there are more events globally, this is the most favorable one for North America in this cycle. A similar setup won't return until the next series begins years from now. That makes this Snow Moon event especially notable.
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