The February full moon—the "Snow Moon," named for the snowfall common at this time of year—will grace the skies on Wednesday, February 12.
The Snow Moon is sometimes also known by the names Bald Eagle Moon, Bear Moon, Bony Moon, Groundhog Moon, Hungry Moon and Raccoon Moon.
The phenomenon will be followed on February 16 by Venus—the so-called Evening Star—reaching its peak brightness, surpassed in the sky only by the moon.
Venus was recently seen in conjunction with what one astronomer dubbed a "super crescent moon" due to our satellite's proximity to Earth.
And stargazers can still enjoy the ongoing "planetary parade"; while the lineup of six planets peaked last month, Venus, Mars and Jupiter are still visible even as Saturn increasingly fades from view in February as it shifts closer to the horizon.
How To Best See the Snow Moon
The Snow Moon will reach its peak brightness at 8:35 a.m. ET on February 12—unfortunately, at this time, it will lie below the horizon.
For the best view, stargazers are recommended instead to keep an eye out for it either the night before, or later on Wednesday.
The moon is expected to become visible above the eastern horizon around the time the sun sets, reaching its highest point in the sky at about midnight.
As with most celestial phenomena, observing the night sky from somewhere away from sources of light pollution like cities will afford a better view.
Stargazers would be wise to dress up warmly, in layers, to help fend off the night's chill.
What Are the Different Full Moons Called?
Not every February has a full moon, as a result of February being the only month in the calendar that is shorter than a lunar moon. This phenomena is called a "Black Moon", and it only happens once every 19 years, with the next expected in 2037.
The names commonly given to the full moons around the year are taken from the Old Farmer's Almanac—which in turn derived them from various sources, including Native American, Colonial and European tradition.
Last month was the "Wolf Moon," after Native American traditions that associated January with the howling of wolves in winter's deep cold.
March 14, meanwhile, will bring the "Worm Moon," which was named for the earthworms that appear as the Spring thaws the ground.
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