JACKSON, Wyo. — The February full moon is nearly here. Sunday, Feb. 5 the moon will reach 100% illumination, but between now an then, the moon will appear big and bright in the night sky at 95% illumination tonight and 98% illumination tomorrow night.
On Sunday the moon will rise at 5:35 p.m.
February’s full moon is known as the “snow moon” due to the heavy snowfall that occurs in February, and this year, the “snow moon” might ring true. According to Buckrail Meteorologist Alan Smith, light snow showers can be expected tonight into tomorrow morning while a somewhat stronger storm is expected to arrive on Sunday into Monday with several inches or more expected in the Tetons. The recent storm at the end of January brought record-breaking snow totals to Rendevous Bowl. Snowfall in the bowl totaled 41 inches from Jan. 26-28.
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 Lunar New Year, celebrated with the Festival of Lanterns.
