February’s Full Moon: Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, and Minimoon
The night sky is set to dazzle us once again with the arrival of February’s second full moon of 2024. This celestial event, which is scheduled to take place on February 24, has earned itself several intriguing names, including the “Snow Moon,” the “Hunger Moon,” and the “Minimoon.” As per NASA, this full moon will make its appearance at 7:30 am EST, standing in direct opposition to the Sun in Earth-based longitude.
The term “Snow Moon” is derived from the fact that this particular full moon will be the smallest of the year. It will rise during dusk on Saturday, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for stargazers and moon enthusiasts alike. According to Live Science, the Snow Moon’s diminutive size is a result of its position on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun.
Space.com explains that most of the time, the moon is illuminated by the sun’s light. However, occasionally, the moon’s orbit brings it within the shadow of Earth. In the case of February’s full moon, it will miss Earth’s shadow due to its orbit being tilted by five degrees to the plane of Earth’s orbit. Consequently, Earth will not be directly between the sun and the moon during this lunar event.
But why does this full moon have so many names? NASA clarifies that it is referred to as a “minimoon” or “micromoon” because it occurs just over a day before apogee, which is when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit. This makes it the opposite of a supermoon, which is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth.
The origin of the name “Snow Moon” can be traced back to the 1930s when the Maine Farmers’ Almanac began publishing “Indian” names for full moons. According to this almanac, the tribes of the northeastern US referred to the full moon in February as the Snow or Storm Moon due to the heavy snowfall during this season. Additionally, the NASA explains that the moon was also called the Hunger Moon because the inclement weather and heavy snowstorms made hunting difficult.
Interestingly, some sources also mention the Wolf Moon as an old European name for this full moon. Another European name associated with this lunar event is the Candles Moon, which is tied to Candlemas on February 2. However, it is worth noting that the Candles Moon could also apply to last month’s full moon, which occurred closer to Candlemas.
As we prepare to witness the Snow Moon illuminate the night sky, let us marvel at the wonders of our universe. Whether you choose to call it the Snow Moon, the Hunger Moon, or the Minimoon, this celestial event serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery that lies beyond our planet.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news, and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away! Login Now!
