Get ready to witness a celestial spectacle that will leave you in awe! This week’s night sky is a battle between the moon’s glow and winter’s brightest stars, culminating in a full ‘Snow Moon’ rising alongside a royal star. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: as the moon waxes from gibbous to full, it shares the stage with celestial heavyweights like the Pleiades, Taurus’s horns, and Gemini’s twin stars—with Jupiter nestled among them. And this is the part most people miss: the ancient connection between the full moon and Regulus, the ‘Little King’ star, once revered by the Persians as one of the four Royal Stars. Here’s your complete guide to stargazing this week (Jan. 26–Feb. 1, 2026).
Timeline of Celestial Highlights
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Moon Meets the Pleiades
Tonight, don’t miss one of January’s most captivating sights: the 70%-lit waxing gibbous moon cozies up to the Pleiades star cluster (M45) in Taurus. Facing southeast about an hour after sunset, you’ll see them together. While the moon’s brightness will dim the cluster’s fainter stars, the Pleiades’ core stars—famously known as the Seven Sisters—will still shine through. But here’s the controversy: some astronomers argue that the moon’s glare ruins the experience, while others believe it adds a unique challenge for stargazers. What’s your take?
Friday, Jan. 30: Moon and Jupiter’s Close Encounter
As the almost-full moon glides near Jupiter—three weeks past its opposition—look east just after dark to spot these two celestial giants just four degrees apart. Above them, Gemini’s twin stars, Castor and Pollux, will frame the scene perfectly. Fun fact: Jupiter’s presence here is a reminder of its ancient role as a ‘king’ among planets, but does its brightness overshadow the moon’s allure?
Sunday, Feb. 1: The Full ‘Snow Moon’ and Its Royal Companion
At 12:09 p.m. EST, the second full moon of winter reaches 100% illumination, rising into the eastern sky at dusk across North America. Known as the Snow Moon, it’s also called the Hunger Moon or Storm Moon—each name reflecting the harsh realities of winter. Face east-northeast at sunset to watch the golden disk ascend, then look just below it for Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. Here’s the thought-provoking part: while Regulus is a ‘Little King,’ its ancient title as a Royal Star raises questions about how past civilizations viewed the cosmos. Did they see these stars as rulers of the sky, or something more?
Constellation of the Week: Gemini, ‘The Twins’
High in the eastern sky after dark, Gemini’s twin stars, Castor and Pollux, dominate the view. Pollux, slightly brighter and warmer, represents the immortal twin in Greek mythology, while Castor, cooler and white, is the mortal brother. Between them lies a star-rich field where the moon and Jupiter pass this week. Nearby, the open cluster M35 sits near the Twins’ feet—a fantastic target for telescopes once the moonlight fades. But for now, Jupiter steals the show. Is it fair that this planet often overshadows other deep-sky wonders?
Pro Tips for Stargazing
For the most accurate viewing times based on your location, use tools like Stellarium (https://stellarium-web.org/) or other online planetariums. And don’t forget to check out more in-depth articles on stargazing, astronomy, and eclipses on my main feed (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/?sh=13680aef1404).
Further Reading
- 2026’s Celestial Highlights: From a ‘Blood Moon’ to a ‘Ring of Fire’ and a total solar eclipse, 2026 is packed with skywatching events. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/29/2026-to-see-a-blood-moon-ring-of-fire-and-total-solar-eclipse/)
- Your 2026 Full Moon Calendar: Mark all 13 full moon dates in your diary with this handy guide. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/27/your-full-moon-guide-for-2026---every-date-for-your-diary/)
- The Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS: Uncover the truth behind this fascinating visitor from beyond our solar system. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/19/3iatlas-the-truth-about-the-interstellar-comet-everyones-watching/)
Final Thought: Is modern stargazing losing its connection to the ancient stories and myths that once defined it? Share your thoughts in the comments!
