February Night Sky Illuminated by Full Snow Moon

You may have noticed how bright it was last night. Although it was clear and chilly, the night sky was illuminated by the nearly Full Snow Moon, which happens at 4:54 EST this afternoon. The Moon will rise at 4:26 local time this afternoon and sets at 5:59 tomorrow morning.

So, how did the February Full Moon get its name, anyway? Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the North and East most often called February's Full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.

Remember, Full Moon names date back to the days of the Native Americans, who lived in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.



This Moon has also been known as the Full Storm Moon and Full Candles Moon. A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. Since the length of daylight continues to grow each day through the Summer Solstice, today's Full Moon will rise a little later than it did in December or January. In addition, this Full Moon will appear still fairly high in the sky since we're in the heart of Winter.

We should also get a fairly good look at it later tonight with mostly clear to partly cloudy skies through midnight. However, a cold front will arrive later tomorrow, bringing more clouds and a chance of flurries and snow showers. No major storms are expected through the start of the weekend. Enjoy the Full Snow Moon.

Paul