Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt like the universe was trying to tell you something? Tonight, it is.
As I sit here writing this on February 1st, 2026, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Even from my wheelchair, the cosmos feels incredibly close. Science isn't just about equations or distant rocks in space; it's about the feeling we get when we realize we are part of something massive.
This month, the heavens are giving us a double feature. We have a brilliant full moon happening right now, and a rare planetary dance waiting for us at the end of the month. At FreeAstroScience.com, we write these articles for you because we believe that understanding the universe keeps our minds sharp and our spirits high. As Goya once warned us, "the sleep of reason breeds monsters." So, let’s wake up and look up.
Ready to see what February has in store?
Table of Contents
When Can You Catch the Snow Moon?
If you are reading this today, February 1, 2026, you are right on time.
The Snow Moon reaches its peak illumination tonight at 5:09 p.m. EST. Why do we call it the Snow Moon? It’s simple history. The tribes and early settlers in North America noticed that February was often the month with the heaviest snowfall. It’s a name born from the cold, hard reality of winter.
But don't let the cold stop you. The Old Farmer's Almanac tells us that the view is spectacular right now. While the exact peak is tonight, the moon appears full to the naked eye from January 31 through February 2.
Here is a pro tip for you: Look for the moon near the Beehive Cluster in the constellation Cancer. It’s a beautiful pairing. The bright moonlight might wash out the fainter stars, but spotting the position is a great exercise for amateur astronomers.
What Is the Moon Doing to Star Regulus?
Nature loves an encore. Just a day after the full moon, observers in the eastern United States are in for a rare treat.
The moon is going to pass directly in front of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo. In astronomy, we call this an occultation. Think of it as a mini-eclipse, where the moon hides a distant star.
This isn't something you see every day. In fact, this specific event won't happen again until 2035. If you have clear skies, grab a pair of binoculars. Watching a bright star simply "wink out" behind the lunar edge is a surreal reminder of how fast celestial bodies are actually moving.
How Do You Spot the Six-Planet Parade?
Now, let's fast forward to the end of the month. Mark your calendars for February 28, 2026.
We are going to see a "planetary parade." This is when multiple planets appear to line up in the sky from our perspective on Earth. It is not a straight line in space—that’s a sci-fi myth—but in our sky, they form a beautiful arc.
Who is invited to the party?
Six planets are showing up: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
According to NASA, the lineup is best toward the very end of the month. But be warned: this isn't the easiest observation to make. You need to be quick.
The Viewing Strategy
- The Challenge (Mercury & Venus): These two will be very low on the western horizon. You have to look shortly after sunset, around 6:45 p.m. local time. They will set within 30 to 45 minutes, so you have a short window.
- The King (Jupiter): You can't miss him. Jupiter will be high in the southeastern sky, hanging out near Gemini. It will be bright and unmistakable.
- The Others: Saturn will be visible, but Uranus and Neptune are faint. You will need binoculars or a small telescope to spot those two distant ice giants.
For my friends in New York, Tokyo, and Mexico City, February 28 is your golden night. If you are in London or Berlin, March 1st might actually give you a slightly clearer view.
Are There More Alignments Coming in 2026?
If you miss this one because of clouds (the astronomer's worst enemy), don't worry. 2026 is a generous year.
This event is just the opener. We have two more massive alignments coming up:
- April 2026: A five-planet alignment.
- August 2026: Another six-planet spectacle.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has already flagged this February alignment as one of the "most notable astronomical events" of the year.
Final Thoughts from FreeAstroScience
So, step outside tonight. Wrap up warm. Look at the Snow Moon and remember that the same sky hangs over all of us, connecting us across borders and barriers. And get your binoculars ready for the end of the month. The planets are putting on a show, and the tickets are free.
Clear skies to all of you.
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