February’s Snow Moon: when to see it and what it means
Stargazers are in for a treat as February's Full Snow Moon is set to brighten the night sky on Wednesday, 12th February 2025.
It will peak at 1:53 PM, but the best time to see it is in the evening when it rises in the east-northeast around 5:07 PM.
For centuries, February's full moon has been known as the Snow Moon, named after the heavy snowfall that often blankets the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year. Some cultures, including Native American tribes, also called it the Hunger Moon because harsh winter conditions make hunting difficult.
This year, the Snow Moon will appear in the constellation Leo, close to Regulus, its brightest star. This will make for a stunning sight in the night sky.
Where is the best place to see the full Snow Moon?
"To make the most of viewing the full moon, try to get somewhere with a clear horizon as far from light sources as possible. The moon is easy to see with the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars will let you see more surface detail," says a spokesperson from the Royal Museums Greenwich.
For the best chance of seeing night sky sights without a telescope or binoculars, they advise stargazers to find somewhere away from buildings and street lights and allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 15 minutes, avoiding bright light sources like a phone screen.
If you're struggling to find your way around, you can use a red-light torch, which won't disrupt your eyes as you adapt to the dark.
"A planisphere or stargazing app can help you identify what you're looking at or direct you where to look to see a certain target. If you opt for an app, put a red filter on it."
The moon will appear full for around three days, from Tuesday evening to Friday morning, so there will be plenty of chances to catch a glimpse.
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