JACKSON, Wyo. — The February full moon is nearly here. Tonight, Feb.15 the moon will reach 99.1% illumination, appearing full to the naked eye, but the moon will reach its fullest, tomorrow morning at 9:59 a.m.
February’s full moon is known as the “snow moon” due to the heavy snowfall that occurs in February, a sentiment that usually rings true here in Jackson Hole. Unfortunately for those of us who ski and snowboard, this winter has been one of the driest on record. The past 30 or so days, have been the least snowy period at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort since the 1991-1992 winter.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, February’s full moon has also been called the Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon by the Cree. The Ojibwe called it the Bear Moon and the Tlingit called it the Black Bear Moon, both referring to the time when bear cubs are born. The Dakota also call this the Raccoon Moon, certain Algonquin peoples named it the Groundhog Moon, and the Haida named it Goose Moon.
This month’s full moon also marks the end of the Chinese New Year, celebrated with the Festival of Lanterns.
