For an optimal experience without impacting sleep, specialists recommend observation between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., when it peaks in the sky.
To the delight of astronomy enthusiasts, a celestial event of pure beauty is about to appear in our sky. This is the “Snow Moon”, a disc with a particular silver shine. If it bears this poetic name, it is a legacy of Native American tribes, notably the Algonquins living in what is today the northern United States and Canada, who named the February Full Moon this way because of the densest snowfall of the year. The name therefore served as a seasonal marker: when this moon appeared, we knew that we were entering the harshest and whitest heart of winter. Historically, it was also nicknamed the “Hunger Moon”, echoing the reality of survival in winter before the modern era.
This 2026 vintage is exceptional: we are going to witness a “Micro-Moon”. Located at its apogee (the farthest point from Earth), the star will appear smaller (14% smaller than other full moons) but will gain in sharpness and purity. The often dry and cold air of February will give it a piercing and crystalline luminosity. It will not be “matte” at all; rather, it will have an incandescent appearance. According to data from the IMCCE (Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation), its trajectory will be one of the highest observed in the French sky, a zenith position which had not offered such a configuration of “cold light” for two decades. This record altitude allows light to pass through a thinner layer of atmosphere, creating this bluish-white, almost surgical glow, which gives the landscape the appearance of sparkling ice floes, even without snow on the ground.
The peak illumination of this Full Snow Moon will take place on Sunday February 1, 2026. For an optimal experience and without negative impact on sleep, experts recommend an observation between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., when it peaks in the sky. The ideal is to get as far away as possible from urban light pollution to let the pupils adapt to this polar clarity.
Beyond the visual spectacle, treating yourself to these few minutes of observation at the start of the evening allows the retina to capture natural light which helps to recalibrate the biological clock, thus promoting a smoother transition to deep sleep once darkness has returned.
On a mental level, it symbolizes simplicity and clarity. Its refined light invites you to sort your thoughts and get rid of accumulated tensions. It is an invitation to “emotional detox”: a privileged moment to set clear intentions and approach the months to come with a clearer and calmer vision.
