2 min learnUp to date: Jan 30, 2026 07:41 PM IST
The month of February will start with one of the iconic views within the winter sky: the Snow Moon. The complete moon in February is named the Snow Moon, and this yr the phenomenon will likely be noticed on February 1.
The Snow Moon will likely be at its peak at 5.09 pm Japanese Normal Time (EST) on February 1, however it’ll seem full to the attention each the night time earlier than and the night time after.
One of the best ways to look at the Snow Moon is to enterprise exterior on February 1 and gaze in direction of the east. Because the Moon rises, it’ll seem bigger than typical because of a visible trick often known as the ‘moon phantasm’, which makes low-hanging objects close to buildings, bushes, or hills appear larger than they honestly are.
This full moon takes place close to the constellation Most cancers, the Crab, although the Moon’s brightness will simply outshine the encompassing stars. For those who keep exterior a bit longer, you may additionally discover Jupiter shining brightly close by within the night sky, together with acquainted winter constellations corresponding to Orion and Gemini.
The identify ‘Snow Moon’ comes from long-standing traditions in North America and Europe, the place February was typically the snowiest month of the yr. Heavy snowfall made journey and searching tough, main some communities to additionally name it the ‘Hungry Moon’. Different names embody the ‘Storm Moon’, reflecting the tough climate that may accompany late winter.
Whereas vibrant moonlight can wash out faint objects, February’s full moon is a good probability to discover lunar options with binoculars or a small telescope. The Moon’s floor, totally lit by the Solar, tells the story of its historical previous.
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