On the heels of the Supermoon earlier this January, another astronomical phenomena is in our midst. Otherwise known as the February Full Moon, the Snow Moon is slated to rise in Texas skies this weekend– signaling the beginning of the second month of the year.
Appropriately named – this year around for Texas – The Snow Moon will grace our skies on Sunday, February 1. You won’t have to wait until then, however, to witness the Full Moon in all its majesty as it will shine brightly before and after its peak.
Why is it called the Snow Moon?
As the name suggests, “Snow Moon” was the name Native Americans (Dakota) prescribed to the Full Moon of the snowiest month of the year – per Almanac. The National Weather Service has confirmed that February on average sees more snowfall than any other month of the year.
Over the years, the Snow Moon has held other monikers – mostly associated with animals. The Ojibwa tribe called it the Bear Moon, similar to the Tlingit, who referred to its as the Black Bear Moon. Bald Eagle Moon, Groundhog Moon, and Goose Moon have also been names prescribed to the Snow Moon.
The Cherokee referred to the moon as the Hungry Moon in relation to the scarcity of the time.
When is the best time to see the Snow Moon in Houston?
Signaling the beginning of February, the Snow Moon will reach peak illumination after dusk on Sunday, February 1, at 4:09 pm CST.
What other Astronomical events are coming up?
This March will see the appearance of the Worm “Blood” Moon on the 3rd. What makes this even more exciting is that this phenomena will coincide be a Total Lunar Eclipse – the last of its kind until 2028! The next supermen will take place on November 24, 2026.