Snow moon 2024 - When is February’s full moon and how can you see it?

February’s full snow Moon will occur as the moon approaches its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, known as apogee. That means tonight’s full moon will appear up to 10% smaller in the night sky; not enough for most of us to notice, but experienced moon watchers might notice the difference. The exact opposite of a supermoon, this Snow Moon will turn full when our natural satellite’s orbit is close to its farthest point from Earth in its slightly elliptical monthly orbit.

A full moon occurs when the moon is on the exact opposite side of the Earth from the sun. Most of the time the moon is illuminated by sunlight. Occasionally, the Moon’s orbit brings it into the Earth’s shadow. February’s full moon will not reach the Earth’s shadow because the lunar orbit is tilted five degrees relative to the plane of the Earth’s orbit and, therefore, the Earth will not be directly between the Sun and the Moon.

Although this full Moon could be classified as a “micromoon,” this is not a recognized astronomical term; it only describes the fact that the Moon appears slightly smaller. The difference in size is only noticeable to the most conscientious observers, and is around 10%.

When Is The Snow Moon?

The “Snow Moon” will turn full at 12:30 UTC/7:30 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 24, and the best time to watch it rise will be dusk later that day.

Where to see Full Snow Moon of 2024?

You’ll want to be farther west in the U.S. if you’re hoping to see the exact moment the Moon is full. For example, the U.S. Naval Observatory shows that in New York City, the Moon sets, or drops below the horizon, at 6:58 a.m. EST Saturday morning.

In Chicago, the full Moon is at 6:30 a.m. CST, and the Moon sets at 6:55 a.m. CST. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the full Moon is at 4:30 a.m. PST, giving people there plenty of time as the Moon doesn’t set until 6:49 a.m. PST.

Depending on your location, you will be able to enjoy it in different ways:

• Eastern U.S.: To see the full Moon at its brightest, you’ll need to see it before sunrise on Saturday. Look to the east around 7:30 a.m. EST. In cities like New York, the Moon will set before it reaches its peak, so aim to see it before 6:58 a.m. EST.
• Central U.S.: In Chicago, for example, the full Moon coincides with sunrise at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. CST. However, you’ll be able to see it earlier and later, since it doesn’t set until 6:55 a.m. CST.
• Western U.S.: Los Angeles residents are in luck! The full Moon arrives at 4:30 a.m. PST and doesn’t set until 6:49 a.m. PST, giving you plenty of time to see it.

What is needed to see the Snow Moon on Saturday, February 24?

To appreciate the Snow Moon, you will be able to do it from any area clear of buildings, so being located in high places, or away from the big city is usually more convenient. From wherever you are, you will be able to see it with the naked eye, since no special tools are needed.

Why is it called a Snow Moon?

Among Native Americans, February’s full moon was known as the Snow Moon because of the heavy snowfall that usually falls during February in this region.

It also marks a new lunar cycle that for many communities and cultures is a new opportunity to initiate personal growth and a strong spiritual connection.

The Snow Moon can be associated with wholeness, energy and the manifestation of great personal desires.

What is a micromoon?

A micromoon is a full moon that coincides with apogee, the farthest point from the Earth in its elliptical orbit. The moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, which causes the moon to vary in size and apparent brightness.

At apogee, the full moon may appear 14% smaller and 30% less bright than a full moon at perigee (the closest point to Earth). The difference, while noticeable, can be difficult to appreciate without a direct comparison, according to AccuWeather.

How long does the full moon really last?

Have you ever wondered how long the full moon phase lasts? The answer is not as simple as it seems. Technically, the full moon only lasts for an instant, known as a syzygy, when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and fully illuminated.

However, from our point of view, the Moon appears full for several days around the actual date of the syzygy. This period can last between two and three days, influenced by the Moon’s orbital speed and the angle of its orbit relative to the Earth.

When is the next full moon?

Full Moon Calendar for the first half of 2024:

• March 25
• April 23
• May 23
• June 21
• July 21
• August 19

SOBRE EL AUTOR

Luis Eduardo Torres

Periodista. Licenciado en Comunicaciones por la Universidad de San Martín de Porres (USMP), con especialización en Social Media Management. Más de diez años de experiencia trabajando en medios digitales. Actualmente, Analista SEO del Núcleo de Audiencias del Grupo El Comercio.