Sky-watchers will have an opportunity to see February’s full snow moon illuminate the evening sky this weekend, according to EarthSky. The full moon will peak at 5:09 PM ET on Sunday, appearing near sunset and reaching its brightest point while low in the sky. EarthSky notes that the moon will also appear full on Saturday and Monday, providing multiple viewing opportunities.
Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s Planetary, Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Laboratory at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, emphasizes that the moon will still look full outside its peak time. The February full moon is known as the snow moon due to heavy winter snowfall across North America, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
Petro encourages viewers to observe the moon during different phases of its cycle, not just when it appears fully illuminated. He suggested people go out and look at the moon when it’s full, partially full, and learn about its geography through telescopic viewing. Petro pointed out that the moon’s light and dark areas are visible with the naked eye, but a telescope can reveal craters and surface details. By doing so, one can celebrate the Artemis II mission, NASA’s upcoming lunar exploration endeavor, which is expected to launch as early as February.