If you’ve never watched the moon cover a bright star, tonight could be your chance! On February 2, 2026, many in North America and northwest Africa will see the moon cross in front of Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. For a brief moment, it will vanish from the sky.
This event is called a lunar occultation. It’s easy to see with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. Even if you’re outside the main visibility path, you can still enjoy a close view of the moon and Regulus from many locations across the globe, especially in North America and Europe.
Meet Regulus: The ‘Heart of the Lion’
Regulus, or Alpha Leonis, is one of the brightest stars we see. It’s a blue-white star that’s hotter and younger than the sun and is just 79 light-years away. Its name translates to “Little King,” but it represents the heart of the lion in the Leo constellation, which looks stunning in February and throughout spring.
During the occultation tonight, Regulus will disappear and then reappear, but the timing will differ based on where you are located.
When and Where to Watch
According to In-The-Sky.org, the best viewing will be in eastern North America and parts of Africa. In eastern Canada and the north-eastern U.S., the disappearance will happen between 8:40 and 10:05 p.m. EST. Observers in Morocco, Algeria, and Spain will see it between 3:30 and 5:30 GMT on February 3.
Here are some specific times for key cities in North America:
- New York City: 8:51 p.m. EST (disappearance); 9:54 p.m. EST (reappearance)
- Washington D.C.: 8:51 p.m. EST; 9:48 p.m. EST
- Boston: 8:53 p.m. EST; 10:00 p.m. EST
- Toronto: 8:48 p.m. EST; 9:51 p.m. EST
Why Does the Moon Occult Regulus?
An occultation occurs when one celestial body moves directly in front of another, blocking it from our view. Tonight, a nearly full moon will cover Regulus. Since Regulus is almost directly on the ecliptic—the path where the sun and moon move—it often aligns closely with the moon.
The phenomenon isn’t rare: it happens in cycles. The current series of occultations began in July 2025 and will run through December 2026. The next set will be around 2035. In fact, lunar occultations of bright stars like Regulus can be seen every few months, as the moon orbits our planet.
According to a survey by EarthSky, many people find celestial events like this exciting, sparking interest in astronomy. As social media buzzes about tonight’s specific alignment, expect lots of photos and discussions among stargazers.
So grab your binoculars, step outside, and enjoy this beautiful cosmic dance in the night sky! Your experience could inspire others to join the wonder of stargazing.
