Pennsylvania to See 'Snow Moon' Peak and Planetary Parade

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Pennsylvania stargazers can look forward to seeing the 'snow moon' peak on February 1st, as well as a 'planetary parade' featuring six planets visible in the evening sky on February 28th. The snow moon, also known by other names like the bald eagle moon and groundhog moon, is expected to be visible shortly after sunset on February 1st. The planetary parade will include Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter, with the latter four planets visible to the naked eye.

Why it matters

The upcoming snow moon and planetary parade are significant astronomical events that will be visible to Pennsylvanians. The snow moon is a seasonal full moon that marks the typically snowy conditions of February, while the planetary parade is a rare occurrence that NASA has described as one of the top astronomical events of 2026.

The details

The snow moon will peak at 5:09 PM EST on February 1st, with the best viewing expected later that evening as the sun sets around 5:29 PM. State College is expected to have mostly clear skies that night, though it will be quite cold with a low around 8°F. The planetary parade on February 28th will feature six planets visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset, with the four brightest planets - Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter - viewable to the naked eye.

• The snow moon will peak at 5:09 PM EST on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
• The sun will set in State College at 5:29 PM on February 1, 2026.
• The planetary parade will occur on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Stargazers in Pennsylvania should mark their calendars for the snow moon peak on February 1st and the planetary parade on February 28th, weather-permitting.