February's full 'snow moon' 2025: Look for it before Valentine's Day
February's full 'snow moon' 2025: Look for it before Valentine's Day
There's more snow expected in February, a snow moon, that is.
The second full moon of the year will reach its peak on Wednesday at 8:53 p.m. EDT, according to Space.com. Given the amount of snowfall in February, this full moon is appropriately called the snow moon.
Stargazers are encouraged to look for the moon on the evenings of Feb. 11 and 13 as well, because the moon will still appear full, according to EarthSky.org. The moon will rise above the eastern horizon around sunset and reach the highest point in the sky at midnight.
What is a snow moon?
The Old Farmer's Almanac uses names for full moons from a number of sources, including Native American, Colonial American and European. In this case, the origin of the name is quite straightforward: It's called the snow moon because February is typically the snowiest month in the U.S.
Does February have the most snowfall?
December and January receive a lot of snow, but February is one of the snowiest months for some regions in the U.S., according to The Weather Channel.
Nearly three-quarters of all Northeast snowstorms classified as Category 3 or higher on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale, or NESIS, from 1956 to 2022 took place in late January or early February, according to statistics from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
More: 2025 Planet parade continues: How and when to see the planets align in the night sky
Phases of the moon
The moon takes about 29½ days to revolve around the Earth, which is called a lunar cycle, according to the Lunar and Planetary Institute. As the moon moves through its various stages, it experiences several phases of partial light. These range from a banana-shaped crescent moon, a D-shaped quarter moon and a nearly full gibbous moon.
Each phase is named according to where it falls in the 29½-day cycle, whether it is waxing (increasing) or waning (shrinking). The eight phases of the moon, in order, are:
New moon
Waxing crescent moon
First quarter moon
Waxing gibbous moon
Full moon
Waning gibbous moon
Last quarter moon
Waning crescent moon
What are the names of full moons throughout the year?
Throughout history, different cultures have celebrated full moons because they were a way to signal changes in seasons, since the moon's orbit around the is consistent enough that time can be measured without calendars.
More: Moon missions in 2025: Five missions will help astronauts return to the moon
Total 'blood moon' lunar eclipse coming in March
Skywatchers should keep their eyes to the skies in mid-March. A blood moon total lunar eclipse is coming late March 13-14, according to NASA. The moon will turn deep shades of rusty-red throughout the more than hourlong totality, an amazing sight in the night sky.
CONTRIBUTING Brian Broom/USA TODAY NETWORK
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ultimate Southwest Florida hurricane preparation guide 2025
If you live in Southwest Florida, you know that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Preparation is key. We've amassed and curated everything you need to know about preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm, from what supplies to get, to how to stay safe and what to do after a storm. Scroll down through the page to browse, or jump quickly to the section you want: About hurricane forecasting Latest Florida forecasts Preparing your home and yard All about insurance ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Will a Category 5 hurricane make landfall in Florida in 2025? History says that's unlikely In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives Infographic: How do hurricanes form? An inside look What's the difference between subtropical storm and tropical storm? Breaking down the hurricane category scale Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones: What are the differences among these storms? What is NOAA? Federal weather, climate agency hit with job cuts has a big mission Meet WeatherTiger: Hurricane expert Ryan Truchelut provides Florida storm forecasts, analyses National Hurricane Center is updating its cone graphic for the 2025 hurricane season 2025 hurricane season will start with Andrea. See list of names and how you can prepare now Florida storm tracker: A hurricane watcher's guide to the latest track and model forecasts during the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season 2025: Good news and bad from the Florida forecast from WeatherTiger It's not too early to prepare yourself and your home for a hurricane. The best time to get ready is before a storm is approaching. With hurricane season starting soon, Florida residents need to prepare. What to know New to Florida and hurricanes? Here's what you should know as hurricane season approaches Here are 10 things you can do to get ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season Taping windows before a storm? Don't fall for these hurricane myths ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location What supplies do you need for a storm? Food and water are only the beginning to building your emergency supplies. Here are other things you should assemble. Hurricane season help: Tips for starting a storm supply list Hurricane preparation: What supplies do you need for a storm? Here's a list Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight? Tips, resources to help What you should do to protect your home during a hurricane Make sure you have safely installed shutters, tips on maintenance What you should know about hurricane shutters and window coverings before a storm Do you need a generator? Here's how to decide How to prepare your house for a hurricane: The ultimate preparedness checklist from USA TODAY Storm prep and other things to do in your Jacksonville yard (and beyond!) this June How to protect your patio from storm damage during hurricane season Follow these guidelines to get your trees, yard ready for hurricane or tropical storm Here is how you can prepare your pool for a hurricane or tropical storm What to do with your boat in Florida if a storm approaches Follow this checklist to protect, secure your boat for hurricanes and tropical storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Florida weather alerts (use dropdown menu to see your county) Across Florida: Who should I call for help in an emergency during a hurricane? How do you know if you live in an evacuation zone? Enter your address on this Florida Division of Emergency Management website What's your flood risk? Enter your ZIP code on this FEMA website for information Should you go to a hurricane shelter? What to know before you make your decision Florida Special Needs Registry: If someone in your household has special needs, register with your local emergency management agency here to receive assistance during a disaster Florida Gridlock Guide: Latest traffic reports and live views from the state's highways OFF THE GRID: Florida Power Outage Tracker — use dropdown menu to see your county Can you fill a washing machine with ice for a hurricane? Here's why you shouldn't Power outage safety: Here's what to be aware of before, during and after your power goes out Hurricane hacks for your dog, if you want coffee, in case you lose power or ride the storm Best tips on how to keep your pets safe during a storm How do you prepare your pets for hurricane season and how do you evacuate with animals? Safety tips for navigating around your neighborhood after storm What's still safe to eat and what should be thrown out? After storms, scammers come out. How to avoid getting ripped off in Florida Returning home from evacuating? Safety tips, how to file an insurance claim when you return ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Don't understand insurance? What to know to keep a roof over your head Homeowners' insurance in Florida: What to know ahead of 2025 Hurricane Season Hurricane Season preparedness: What to document for insurance before Hurricane Season 2025 No flood insurance? You could end up on the hook for storm damage Hurricane season tips for homeowners: Five insurance facts to know, when to buy These 3 things aren't covered by Florida homeowners' insurance Dropped from your home or flood insurance policy? Here's what to do Living in Florida? These flood insurance facts could save you thousands Need a new roof for insurance? Here are the main choices in Florida and how they stack up Study: 10-year-old asphalt shingles don't protect against hurricane winds Hurricane hunters save lives, but plane breakdowns put them at risk Not your ordinary aircraft: NOAA Hurricane Hunter jet is designed to collect weather data Can cows predict a hurricane is coming? Debunking one of Florida's strangest superstitions Easy decision: 2024 weather monsters Helene, Milton retired from hurricane names list Support local journalism by subscribing to a Florida news organization. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida hurricane guide 2025: How to prepare your SW FL home, yard
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Missed the Strawberry Moon last night? Here's where, when to see it tonight in Illinois
Many people across the country photographed the Strawberry Moon this morning, watching as the moon reached its peak at 2:44 a.m. CT. But don't worry if you missed it – the phenomenon will still be partially visible tonight. Avid skywatchers can also spot the Milky Way, the "bright central bulge of our galaxy," writes NASA, which should be visible through August. Here's what stargazers in Illinois should know. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, into Wednesday early morning hours is when the sweet Strawberry Moon was at its fullest, but it'll still appear mostly full Wednesday night. The moon's phases in June are: 🌓 First Quarter: June 3 🌕 Full Moon: June 11 🌗 Last Quarter: June 18 🌑 New Moon: June 25 June's Strawberry moon will be the lowest full moon in roughly 20 years, so look closer toward the horizon. Experts say the moon's low arc should give it a more yellowish or orange tint. Story continues after photo gallery. The reason the moon will appear lower is because the Earth is in the midst of "a major lunar standstill," writes EarthSky, which has to do with the moon's orbit around the Earth. "It's all about the inclination of the moon's orbit, which undergoes an 18.6-year cycle," writes EarthSky's John Jardine Goss. "The cycle happens because the moon's orbit is being slowly dragged around — mostly due to the pull of the sun — every 18.6 years." The last major lunar standstill occurred in 2006. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, moonrise for the Peoria area will happen by roughly 9:28 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, crossing the meridian at 12:52 a.m. before setting at 5:12 a.m. Thursday. You can check moonrise and moonset times for your zip code by visiting the Old Farmer's Almanac online. Skies in central Illinois are expected to be partly cloudy Wednesday night, June 11, with a low of around 64 and winds around 7 mph, according to an advanced forecast from the National Weather Service. Similar to the Pink Moon, June's Strawberry Moon takes its name from seasonal plant growth, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Many ripening berries were ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. Other names for June's full moon from Native American tribes include the Birth Moon, Hot Moon, Blooming Moon, and the Green Corn Moon. The Milky Way can best be viewed somewhere far away from bright city lights. Find a dark, safe spot out in the country where you can see more stars in the sky. State parks and campgrounds are your best bet for clear stargazing, in locations such as Campsite 26 at Apple River Canyon State Park and the Area 4 Parking Lot at Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. A full list of the best stargazing spots in Illinois can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website. For those in Chicago, stars will be more visible on the city lakefront, the Palos Preserves in Willow Springs and the 606 Trail at 1801 N. Ridgeway, according to a list compiled by the Adler Planetarium. If you plan on observing the night sky this month, writes NASA, keep the following dates in mind for June 2025: June 16, 17 – Mars & Regulus – Mars passes closer to the bright bluish-white star Regulus, known as the "heart" of the lion constellation, Leo. They will appear about as far apart as the width of the full moon, and should be easy to spot with binoculars or a small telescope. June 19 – Moon & Saturn – The third-quarter moon appears right next to Saturn on Thursday morning in the hours before dawn, according to NASA. They rise in the east together at around 1:30 a.m. June 20 – June Solstice – The summer solstice is on June 20 in the northern hemisphere, tilting its maximum toward the Sun. This means the Sun will travel its longest, highest arc across the sky all year, writes NASA, resulting in the longest period of daylight for those north of the equator. June 21-30 – Mercury becomes visible – For those with a clear view to the western horizon, Mercury becomes visible for a brief period each evening at the end of June. Look for it to appear low in the sky starting 30 to 45 minutes after the Sun sets. June 22 – Moon & Venus – Venus rises this morning next to a slender and elegant crescent moon. Look for them in the east between about 3 a.m. and sunrise. All month – Mars: The Red Planet can be observed for a couple of hours after dark all month. It is noticeably dimmer than it appeared in early May, as Earth speeds away in its orbit, putting greater distance between the two worlds. All month – Milky Way core: The bright central bulge of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is visible all night through August. It is best observed from dark sky locations far from bright city lights, and appears as a faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south. The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations. SkyView Lite for iPhone | Google Play Star Walk 2 for iPhone | Google Play Star Chart for iPhone | Google Play for iPhone | Google Play The full Buck Moon should reach peak illumination by Thursday, July 10, 2025. Julia Gomez contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Strawberry Moon 2025: weather forecast, moonrise time, spots to see Milky Way
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Get ‘Arctic-Level Cooling' With This Portable Air Conditioner
Atmosphere by The Weather Channel curates products and services for all seasons. If you buy something from one of our links, we may earn a commission. It's currently 82 degrees, sunny and so humid I can feel the air settle against my skin like a weighted blanket. Tack on trying to achieve my 'summer body' that means visits to the gym and barn to see my pony, and I can't seem to stay cool. It's still early June, and that means the current temperatures are only the harbinger of summer heat and humidity. If you're looking to cool down a hot room, garage or pet area, a portable air conditioner could be a better investment option versus a standing fan. It ultimately depends on your budget, venting options, area size and chilling requirements. So if you're new to portable air conditioners, we highly recommend checking out our complete beginner's buying guide, which includes some helpful tips on proper BTU size, ventilation kits and some top picks of 2025. But if you already know what you're looking for, and you just want to snag a unit with a 4.6-star rating while it's on sale, look no further. Dreo, a popular home brand that also produces humidifiers, desk fans and space heaters, is now offering a limited time deal on their portable air conditioners. Price: $389.98, was $439.99 - 11% off at Amazon (white); $389.99 at Amazon (black) ASHRAE: 8,000 BTU | SACC: ~5,000 BTU | Room Size: Up to 150 sq. ft. | Weight: 55 lbs. | Noise: 45 dBA Shop It: Amazon (White Portable AC Unit)Shop It: Amazon (Black Portable AC Unit) Features: 3-in-1: Cooling, fan and dehumidifier Works with app, Google and Alexa Installation kit fits horizontal and vertical window combinations Temperature between 61-86 degrees 4 fan levels, 24 hour timer, remote control LED display and control panel Company claims drainage-free system with self evaporating patented sensors and pump in up to 90% humidity If you don't want to deal with drainage hassles, and you're looking for a relatively quiet portable air conditioner, you'll want to take a peek at this Dreo 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner. With smart home features like app controls and timers, to modifiable installation kits, this could be an easy pick especially while on sale. According to the company, it contains a patented drainage-free system, which includes sensors and pumps that will channel excess water to the evaporator in up to 90% humidity. There are also noise reduction compressors and air ducts to reduce the decibel level. 'Love it!' exclaims one reviewer, saying 'This is the absolute coolest air conditioner I've ever used…I went with a less expensive model in a different brand, it didn't work as it should and [I] had to send it back. Since it was loud and I had to empty my water bucket twice a day, I decided to up my game and splurged little more and bought this.' They went on to mention that installation was easy - the only thing they'd change is some of the color options. Another reviewer who lives in Arizona says, 'I was worried about all the horror stories people report using these types of units. Turns out it just works, and works pretty well. We have about a 200 sq. f.t master bedroom and it takes about two to three hours to get it down to 72 degrees.' They mentioned they did not need to empty water in a month just using the AC feature. One more says 'it gets the job done', and that it cools the room fast and stays cool consistently. The most common complaints were around the power size - some felt like the lower BTU options are just not enough power to cool large room sizes. A few felt it was a little expensive, while another review noted it was tough on their power bill. If you don't necessarily care about snagging an AC at the lowest price point, there is a 10,000 BTU and 14,000 BTU option from Dreo that can power those larger room sizes. Price: $459.57 at Amazon (white); $440.88 at Amazon (black) ASHRAE: 10,000 BTU | SACC: ~6,000 BTU | Room Size: Up to 200 sq. ft. | Weight: 57.2 lbs. | Noise: 45 dBA Shop It: Amazon (White Portable AC Unit)Shop It: Amazon (Black Portable AC Unit) Price: $449.98, was $499.99 at Amazon (white); $499.99 at Amazon (black) ASHRAE: 14,000 BTU | SACC: ~10,000 BTU | Room Size: Up to 400 sq. ft. | Weight: Not stated | Noise: 46 dBA Shop It: Amazon (White Portable AC Unit)Shop It: Amazon (Black Portable AC Unit) This season is going to be hot, humid and stormy. Stay cool - and dry - with some of these highly rated products. Need a little breathing relief? We've got you covered. If you're suffering from terrible humidity in your basement or crawl spaces, we detail how to determine when, and what, dehumidifier might be right for you. Dehumidifier Guide: How They Work And Our Top Picks Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025 A Beginner's Guide To Air Purifiers Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.
