Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Viral 'Paraselene' Moon Video Sparks Debate
A video went viral showing four moons in the sky over St. Petersburg, Russia.
Some people think it's a rare thing called a paraselene, which happens when moonlight bounces off ice crystals in the air, making extra moons.
But others think it might be a line of Starlink satellites.
The video got a lot of attention on social media, and people are still trying to figure out what it really was.
It's not dangerous, just a cool thing that happened because of the cold winter weather.
A video showing four moons in the sky over St. Petersburg, Russia, went viral on social media.
Some sources claim it's a rare phenomenon called paraselene, caused by moonlight refracting through ice crystals.
Others suggest it might be a train of Starlink satellites, as the video shows sequential emergence.
Grok AI provided conflicting responses, first confirming it as a paraselene, then suggesting it might be satellites.
The event was widely shared and sparked debate among users, with some labeling the video as fake.
- Who
- Residents of St. Petersburg, Russia, and social media users
- What
- A viral video showing four moons in the sky, possibly a paraselene phenomenon or Starlink satellites
- When
- February 1, 2026
- Where
- St. Petersburg, Russia (and possibly Moscow)
- Why
- The video sparked debate about whether it was a rare atmospheric optical effect or a satellite train
- Location
- St. Petersburg, Russia
- Date
- February 1, 2026
- Phenomenon
- Paraselene (or possible Starlink satellites)
- Cause
- Ice crystals in the atmosphere (or satellite train)
- Source
- RT, Nexta TV, Grok AI