On Sunday, February 1, the full Moon will grace the eastern sky, heralding the beginning of the month with its luminous presence. Known as the Snow Moon, February’s full Moon is a notable celestial event, tracking across the sky from east to west and will set around sunrise the next morning.
This full Moon represents the last in the series of winter full Moons, which are often regarded as the most spectacular of the year. One of the remarkable aspects of winter full Moons is their height in the sky, attributed to the Sun’s low position during this season. As the full Moon is directly opposite the Sun, the light it reflects shines brightly, making this lunar phase particularly impressive for onlookers.
As the Snow Moon reaches its peak, star-gazers are encouraged to appreciate its beauty until midnight, as it signals a transition to spring, bringing shorter nights, longer days, and lower lunar displays.
The Snow Moon will also be closely positioned to several bright stars in the night sky, including Procyon to its right and the illustrious Sirius, the brightest star, below it. Above and to the right of the Moon, observers will catch a glimpse of Jupiter posing as an exceptionally bright star. Noteworthy is Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, located below and to the left. On the evening of February 2, the Moon will move closely to Regulus, offering an exciting event for North American observers as it will pass in front of this star in a phenomenon known as lunar occultation.
For those with a clear northeastern horizon, the Snow Moon will appear larger as it rises; this visual trickery is known as the ‘Moon illusion,’ where the Moon’s proximity to foreground objects enhances its perceived size. While the precise cause of this phenomenon remains uncertain, it serves as an intriguing aspect for anyone who witnesses it.
Winter full Moons also provide an excellent opportunity for beginners and families to engage in stargazing. With early sunsets and rapidly rising Moons, the Snow Moon will be easily visible, drawing everyone outside to marvel at its glow, even in brightly lit urban areas.
Moreover, the Snow Moon offers a chance to observe the Moon’s tumultuous history through its surface features, particularly the lunar rays from impact craters such as Tycho and Copernicus. As you appreciate this majestic full Moon, consider capturing its beauty and sharing your photographs, as they might be featured in future publications dedicated to celestial observations.
This February, take a moment to revel in the wonders above, reminding us of the beauty and mysteries that our universe holds.