The second full moon of 2026 is set to dazzle stargazers this Sunday, although plunging temperatures in much of the country will make you want to bundle up if you're planning on taking a look. Here's what to know about this weekend's "Snow Moon."
Timing And Visibility
The lunar event peaks at 5:09 p.m. EST on Feb. 1, though moon enthusiasts will enjoy optimal viewing conditions from Saturday night through Monday evening. The most spectacular sight will occur around sunset on Sunday, as the full moon makes its dramatic appearance above the eastern horizon.
The Story Behind The Name
This full moon's moniker reflects the brutal winter reality across North America — February traditionally delivers the season's most punishing snowstorms. Across the Midwest and Northeast, this month consistently ranks as the snowiest, making the "Snow Moon" designation especially appropriate.
Indigenous peoples developed names that captured winter's harsh demands:
Cherokee tribes called it the Hungry Moon or Bone Moon, acknowledging the season's food scarcity.
The Cree named it Bald Eagle Moon.
Ojibwe people referred to it as Bear Moon.
Dakota tribes used Raccoon Moon.
Some Algonquin groups called it Groundhog Moon.
Winter's Lunar Advantage
Cold-season full moons offer superior viewing experiences for two scientific reasons:
Elevated trajectory:Earth's winter tilt places the Northern Hemisphere farther from the sun, causing full moons to travel much higher overhead than they do during summer months.
Natural amplification:When we see a bright full moon, our satellite isn't actually glowing; rather, it is just reflecting sunlight. During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, winter full moons can look a little brighter when snow is on the ground, because snow reflects moonlight back skyward.
What's Next
Following February's Snow Moon, skywatchers can anticipate the Worm Moon on March 3. This upcoming lunar event promises extra excitement, because a total lunar eclipse will temporarily transform the moon into a striking red "blood moon." I mean, come on; a Blood Worm Moon? Sounds like something you don't want to miss.
