February’s ‘Snow Moon,’ the Smallest of 2024, Appears Saturday

This weekend, sky gazers will have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring sight of February’s “Snow Moon,” the final full moon of the winter season. Known for its breathtaking beauty, this particular full moon is set to be a spectacle not to be missed, as it will also be the smallest full moon of the year due to its position farthest from Earth.

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, the Snow Moon will reach its fullest point around 7:30 a.m. EST on Saturday. To catch the best view of this celestial event, experts recommend looking east during moonrise, which is expected to occur at approximately 5:55 p.m. EST on Saturday, or in the early hours before sunrise.

The Snow Moon’s name is derived from the heavy snowfall that is typically associated with the month of February, as noted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac. February is often considered one of the snowiest months of the year by the National Weather Service, making the Snow Moon’s appearance all the more fitting.

In addition to its common moniker, the Snow Moon is also known by a variety of names among Native American tribes, including the Groundhog Moon, the Goose Moon, the Bear Moon, the Black Bear Moon, the Eagle Moon, the Bald Eagle Moon, and the Raccoon Moon, each name reflecting different cultural and regional traditions.

Following this weekend’s Snow Moon, the next full moon is scheduled to occur on March 25, just six days after the official start of spring. This marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the transition into the warmer months ahead.

The occurrence of a full moon each month is due to the moon’s 29.5-day cycle. However, these full moons do not consistently fall on the same day, as the moon goes through eight phases during its cycle: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

During the full moon phase, the moon appears as a perfect circle in the sky, illuminated by the Sun’s rays on its Earth-facing side, creating a stunning visual display for observers on Earth.

Micromoons, like the upcoming Snow Moon, are the farthest full moons from Earth, typically situated about 252,000 miles (407,000 kilometers) from Earth’s core. These micromoons are approximately 14% smaller and 30% less bright than supermoons, which occur when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth (in perigee) during a full moon, usually around 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) away.

The Snow Moon presents a unique opportunity for skywatchers to marvel at the beauty of the night sky and appreciate the wonders of our celestial neighbor. Whether observing alone or with friends and family, this weekend’s Snow Moon is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who witness its splendor.