February’s full moon, also known as the “Snow Moon,” shines in the evening sky.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports that the moon will be at its maximum illumination on Sunday, February 1 at 5:09 p.m.
It will appear fullest when low on the eastern horizon near sunset, creating a striking, bright orange spectacle.
The Moon will continue to appear almost full on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Monday night, February 2.
The origin of the name “Snow Moon” comes from the heavy snowfall that traditionally prevailed in North America during the month of February, a tradition recorded in the Farmers’ Almanack.
In some tribes, it is also called the Sleet Moon, the Wind Moon, and the Crow Moon.
The Moon will be visible to the naked eye. However, you can use a telescope or binoculars to get a clearer view.
The head of NASA’s Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory stated, “Go out and look at it when it’s full, when it’s partially full, and learn its geography.”
Snow Moon unlocks the full list of 2026 full moons with slightly larger supermoons later in the year (November and December).
Beyond the full Moon, astronomers expect a full lunar eclipse in the US on March 3. The lunar eclipse is known as a “blood moon.”
