US EditionFebruary's snow moon shines brightly this weekend
The Snow Moon will peak at 5:09 p.m. EST Sunday with optimal viewing Sunday night through early next week, marking the only full moon of February 2026.
- On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, the Snow Moon reaches peak illumination at 5:09 p.m. EST as February's only full moon, arriving to welcome the new month.
- Rooted in seasonal weather, the Snow Moon name reflects February's heavy snowfall and food scarcity, noted by Captain Jonathan Carver and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
- Records list names such as Raccoon Moon, Eagle Moon, and Hungry Moon, among Ojibwe, Tlingit, Dakota, Cree, Cherokee, and Royal Museums Greenwich.
- Skywatchers should note freezing temperatures and possible snow may affect viewing, so meteorologists advise checking weather blogs and stepping outside Sunday night to see the Snow Moon.
- Astronomical cycles explain the lunar cycle completes 12 full cycles in about 354 days, causing an occasional 13th full moon and the Blue Moon, with the next full moon peaking on March 3.
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17 Articles
This weekend, observe the sky to have the opportunity to see the full winter moon of February, which arrives as four astronauts prepare to make a historic journey around the silver orb. The full moon will reach its maximum splendor at 5:09 p.m. (Miami time) on Sunday, that is, near sunset, and its most complete point will be observed while it is low in the eastern sky, according to EarthSky. However, the moon will still be full on Saturday and M…
What is a Snow Moon? How to see February 2026’s full moon
The best way to enjoy the February full moon is away from light pollution (Picture: Getty Images) The second full moon of 2026 – also known as the Snow Moon – is set to rise in the sky tomorrow. It will be the fifth full moon in a row, following the Wolf Moon last month, Harvest Moon in October, the Beaver Moon in November and the Cold Moon in December. Visibility will depend on the weather, but clear skies could make it a spectacular sight. Thi…
Sky News UK
Great Yorkshire RadioWhen can you spot this year's Snow Moon, and where did it gets its name?
February's full moon has also been referred to as the Storm Moon, for weather-related reasons, or the Hunger Moon, due to the scarcity of food and hard hunting conditions of the month.
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