Moon occult Regulus: a rare February sky show
On Feb 2, 2026, a near-full Moon will pass in front of Regulus—the brightest star in Leo—creating a brief occultation visible from eastern North America, parts of Africa and southwestern Europe. In eastern North America, Regulus will disappear and reappear roughly between 8:40 and 10:05 p.m. EST (times vary by location). Regulus is about 79 light-years away with magnitude +1.4; the event is best seen with binoculars or a small telescope, though it can be enjoyed with the naked eye as the Moon covers and reveals the star in a recurring monthly sequence through 2026.
