Tonight the sky delivers one of winter's most striking spectacles: the full Snow Moon, reaching peak illumination around 5:09 p.m. ET (22:09 GMT / 10:09 p.m. in the UK). Whether you're bundled up in the Northern Hemisphere watching snowflakes drift or enjoying clearer skies elsewhere, this luminous orb will rise dramatically in the east around sunset, appearing extra large and golden low on the horizon.
Why "Snow Moon"?The name comes from Native American traditions, honoring the heavy snowfalls that often blanket the landscape in February. Some tribes also called it the Hunger Moon (reflecting scarce food during deep winter) or Storm Moon (for the season's turbulent weather). Whatever you call it, the February full moon has long symbolized endurance through the coldest months and the quiet promise of spring just over the horizon.
Where (and How) to See It Tonight Best viewing time: Head out shortly after sunset when the moon is rising— it looks biggest and most dramatic near the horizon due to the "moon illusion."
Direction: Look east. The moon will climb higher through the night, shining brightly until dawn. Constellation companion: It sits near Cancer (the Crab), close to the beautiful Beehive Cluster (M44). If you have binoculars or a small telescope, scan nearby for this sparkling open star cluster—it adds extra magic.
Pro tip: Dress warmly if you're in a snowy region, find a spot away from city lights, and let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes. The contrast against a dark winter sky makes it unforgettable.
Astrologically, this full moon falls in Leo (or appears near the Cancer-Leo boundary depending on exact timing and location), encouraging bold self-expression, creativity, and heart-centered release. It's a perfect night for journaling intentions, taking a moonlit walk, or simply basking in the glow with loved ones.Whether you see it as a scientific wonder (100% illuminated, opposite the Sun in Earth's sky) or a moment of seasonal reflection, tonight's Snow Moon invites us to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty of winter.Have you stepped outside yet? Share your photos or feelings in the comments—I'd love to hear how the moon looks from your corner of the world! Happy Snow Moon gazing!
Tribes across the United States have their own names for February's full moon, according to the Western Washington University Planetarium. The Arapaho in the Great Plains have the closest name to Snow Moon, which is "frost sparkling in the sun." Other tribes have names that are the opposite, like the Zuni Tribe in New Mexico who call it "onon u'la'ukwamme," which means "no snow in trails."
Some tribes named this full moon after animals. The Tlingit Tribe in the Pacific Northwest call it "s'eek dis" or "black bear moon." The Haida Tribe in Alaska call it "hlgit'un kungáay" or "goose moon."
February's full moon is also known as the "Full Hunger Moon" because food was scarce and hunting was difficult for ancient tribes during this month.
February Moon names from different cultures Ice (Celtic). Old Moon (Cree). Gray Moon (Pima). Wind Moon (Creek). Winter Moon (Taos). Nuts Moon (Natchez). Avunnivik Moon (Inuit). Geese Moon (Omaha). Bony Moon (Cherokee). Purification Moon (Hopi). Little bud Moon (Kiowa). Snow Moon (Neo-Pagan). Lateness Moon (Mohawk). Shoulder Moon (Wishram). Rabbit Moon (Potawatomi). Sucker Moon (Anishnaabe). Long Dry Moon (Assiniboine). Little Famine Moon (Choctaw). Storm Moon (Medieval English). Sparkling Frost Moon (Arapaho). Running Fish Moon (Winnebago). Coyote Frighten Moon (San Juan). Spruce Tips Moon (Passamaquoddy). Raccoon Moon, Trees Pop Moon (Sioux). Hunger Moon : Dark, Storm Moon : Full (Janic). Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, Trappers Moon (Algonquin).
Other moon names: Wolf Moon, Wild Moon, Quickening Moon, Solmonath Moon, Chaste Moon, Horning Moon, Red Moon, Big Winter Moon, Cleansing Moon.
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Why "Snow Moon"?The name comes from Native American traditions, honoring the heavy snowfalls that often blanket the landscape in February. Some tribes also called it the Hunger Moon (reflecting scarce food during deep winter) or Storm Moon (for the season's turbulent weather). Whatever you call it, the February full moon has long symbolized endurance through the coldest months and the quiet promise of spring just over the horizon.
Where (and How) to See It Tonight Best viewing time: Head out shortly after sunset when the moon is rising— it looks biggest and most dramatic near the horizon due to the "moon illusion."
Direction: Look east. The moon will climb higher through the night, shining brightly until dawn. Constellation companion: It sits near Cancer (the Crab), close to the beautiful Beehive Cluster (M44). If you have binoculars or a small telescope, scan nearby for this sparkling open star cluster—it adds extra magic.
Pro tip: Dress warmly if you're in a snowy region, find a spot away from city lights, and let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes. The contrast against a dark winter sky makes it unforgettable.
Astrologically, this full moon falls in Leo (or appears near the Cancer-Leo boundary depending on exact timing and location), encouraging bold self-expression, creativity, and heart-centered release. It's a perfect night for journaling intentions, taking a moonlit walk, or simply basking in the glow with loved ones.Whether you see it as a scientific wonder (100% illuminated, opposite the Sun in Earth's sky) or a moment of seasonal reflection, tonight's Snow Moon invites us to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty of winter.Have you stepped outside yet? Share your photos or feelings in the comments—I'd love to hear how the moon looks from your corner of the world! Happy Snow Moon gazing!
Tribes across the United States have their own names for February's full moon, according to the Western Washington University Planetarium. The Arapaho in the Great Plains have the closest name to Snow Moon, which is "frost sparkling in the sun." Other tribes have names that are the opposite, like the Zuni Tribe in New Mexico who call it "onon u'la'ukwamme," which means "no snow in trails."
February's full moon is also known as the "Full Hunger Moon" because food was scarce and hunting was difficult for ancient tribes during this month.
February Moon names from different cultures Ice (Celtic). Old Moon (Cree). Gray Moon (Pima). Wind Moon (Creek). Winter Moon (Taos). Nuts Moon (Natchez). Avunnivik Moon (Inuit). Geese Moon (Omaha). Bony Moon (Cherokee). Purification Moon (Hopi). Little bud Moon (Kiowa). Snow Moon (Neo-Pagan). Lateness Moon (Mohawk). Shoulder Moon (Wishram). Rabbit Moon (Potawatomi). Sucker Moon (Anishnaabe). Long Dry Moon (Assiniboine). Little Famine Moon (Choctaw). Storm Moon (Medieval English). Sparkling Frost Moon (Arapaho). Running Fish Moon (Winnebago). Coyote Frighten Moon (San Juan). Spruce Tips Moon (Passamaquoddy). Raccoon Moon, Trees Pop Moon (Sioux). Hunger Moon : Dark, Storm Moon : Full (Janic). Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, Trappers Moon (Algonquin).
Other moon names: Wolf Moon, Wild Moon, Quickening Moon, Solmonath Moon, Chaste Moon, Horning Moon, Red Moon, Big Winter Moon, Cleansing Moon.
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