Witness the Majestic 'Snow Moon' and the Royal Star: A Guide to the Night Sky This Week
The night sky this week presents a captivating celestial spectacle, where winter's brightest stars compete for visibility as the moon transitions from gibbous to full. The Pleiades star cluster, Taurus' iconic horns, and Gemini's twin stars, with Jupiter in their midst, all share the sky with the waxing moon. The week culminates in the full 'Snow Moon' rising alongside Regulus in Leo on Sunday, January 26-February 1, 2026. Here's your comprehensive guide to stargazing and astronomy during this period.
The waning gibbous moon sets behind the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro on August 20, 2024, offering a glimpse of its beauty.
Tuesday, January 27: Moon and M45
Tonight, the waxing gibbous moon, approximately 70% lit, will be a mere hour after sunset, sitting just to the left of the Pleiades star cluster (M45) in the constellation Taurus. Face southeast to witness this enchanting sight. While the moon's brilliance may obscure some of the cluster's fainter stars, the core stars of the Pleiades, known as the Seven Sisters, should remain visible.
Friday, January 30: Moon and Jupiter
On this evening, the almost-full moon will gracefully pass close to the giant planet Jupiter, now three weeks past its annual opposition. Just after dark, look east to witness these two celestial bodies, appearing just four degrees apart. Castor and Pollux, the twin stars of Gemini, will be positioned just to the planet's upper left.
Sunday, February 1: Full 'Snow Moon' Rising
Today's full moon, the second of winter, will be 100% lit at 12:09 p.m. EST and rise into the eastern sky during dusk across North America. Traditionally known as the Snow Moon, it has also been called the Hunger Moon or Storm Moon. Around sunset, face east-northeast to witness the golden disk rise. Then, look just below it for Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, also known as the 'Little King' star. The ancient Persians referred to it as a Royal Star, alongside Fomalhaut, Aldebaran, and Antares, each positioned at the seasonal turning points of the solstice and equinox.
Constellation of the Week: Gemini, 'the Twins'
High in the east after dark, Gemini is home to the twin stars Castor and Pollux. Pollux, slightly brighter and warmer in color, represents the immortal brother in Greek mythology, while Castor, cooler and white, is the mortal twin. Between them lies a rich star field where the moon and Jupiter pass this week. Deep-sky objects like the open cluster M35 can be found near the feet of the Twins, offering a rewarding target for telescope users once the moonlight fades. However, for now, Jupiter remains the most prominent nearby object.
The times and dates provided are for mid-northern latitudes. For location-specific details, consult Stellarium (https://stellarium-web.org/) and other online planetariums. For more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more, visit my main feed (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/?sh=13680aef1404).
Further Reading:
- 2026: A Year of Celestial Wonders - Blood Moon, Ring of Fire, and Total Solar Eclipse
- Your Full Moon Guide for 2026: All 13 Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
- 3I/ATLAS: Unveiling the Truth About the Interstellar Comet Everyone's Watching
