February's Full Snow Moon Lights Up the Night Sky Next Week—How to See the Celestial Phenomenon
The second full moon of 2025 will light up the night sky soon. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Snow Moon will reach peak illumination at 8:53 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 12.
On Wednesday evening, the moon will rise in the east shortly after the sun sets on the western horizon. Since the full moon will be on the opposite side on the sun, it will be visible and look bright all night, according to NASA.
Related: Astronomers Are Monitoring a Newly Discovered Asteroid—That Could Hit Earth
The full Snow Moon earned its name because of the heavy snowfall that typically occurs throughout the month of February. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, February is one of the snowiest months in the United States.
February's full moon also has a number of monikers associated with animals, including Bald Eagle Moon, Bear Moon, Black Bear Moon, Raccoon Moon, Groundhog Moon, and Goose Moon, per the Old Farmer's Almanac.
While the Snow Moon peaks on Wednesday, it will appear bright on the days leading up and following the celestial event. On February 9, stargazers will see the nearly full moon appear about three finger-widths below Mars with bright stars Pollux and Castor in Gemini to its north, according to NASA.
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