The different moon phases in February 2026: from snow to eclipse

During February and March 2026, the United States will experience a series of astronomical events that will demonstrate the variability of the moon’s states throughout the year. Observing these celestial phenomena offers a unique opportunity to understand how our satellite undergoes constant transformations, from its full brightness phase to complete darkness.

The total lunar eclipse that will turn the sky red before dawn

In the early morning of March 3, 2026, several moon phases will reach their most dramatic point when a total lunar eclipse visible from the United States occurs. During this event, the Moon will pass completely through Earth’s umbral shadow, causing its surface to take on reddish hues before dawn, according to NASA.

In cities like Chicago, the celestial spectacle will reach its peak around 5:33 a.m. Central Time and will conclude approximately at 6:20 a.m., when the first rays of the sun begin to illuminate the horizon. This phenomenon occurs precisely because Earth is positioned between the sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on our satellite and generating that characteristic reddish tone.

The Snow Moon: when moon phases reflect indigenous traditions

At the beginning of February, specifically on the 1st of the month, the moon phases of February 2026 started with a full moon known as the Snow Moon or Cold Moon. This event peaked on Sunday, February 1st at 5:09 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the start of lunar variations that would characterize the entire month.

The name of this celestial event has deep roots in the traditions of Indigenous peoples of North America and Europe, according to records from the Farmers’ Almanac. Various cultures assigned specific names to this winter lunar phase: the Cree called it the Eagle Moon, the Ojibwe the Bear Moon, and the Tlingit the Black Bear Moon. These names referenced the reproductive cycle of fauna during winter. The Cherokee tribe, for its part, referred to this period as the Hunger Moon or Bone Moon, terms reflecting the food scarcity characteristic of this time of year.

Historical records document that in the 18th century, explorer Jonathan Carver recorded that this period was known as the Snow Moon among communities in the territory now corresponding to Dakota, reinforcing the connection between astronomical observation and seasonal survival needs.

Complete lunar cycle in February 2026

February 2026 features a full lunar calendar illustrating how the moon’s phases evolve from full to renewal. According to The Sky Live, the lunar cycle for the month is distributed as follows:

• Full Moon (Snow Moon): February 1
• Waning phase: February 2–9
• Last Quarter: February 10–16
• New Moon with solar eclipse: February 17
• Waxing phase: February 18–23
• First Quarter: February 24–28

Later, in March, the worm moon will appear, traditionally associated with spring, while towards the end of May, a blue moon will occur, a term that designates the occurrence of two full moons within the same calendar month. This calendar demonstrates how the different moon phases mark the natural rhythms of the year and continue to be relevant both for modern science and for ancient traditions that have persisted for centuries in North America.