JACKSON, Wyo. — The February full moon is traditionally known as the “Snow Moon,” but the valley is a bit short on snow this winter.
Regardless of snow levels, the full moon is expected to reach peak illumination at 3:10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“Step outside after dusk to see it shining in all its winter glory,” the almanac advises.
February’s full moon has also been called the Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon by the Nêhiyawak (Cree), per the almanac. 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 Anishinaabe (Algonquin) peoples named it the Groundhog Moon and the Haida named it Goose Moon.
Other folkloric names used for the February full moon reflect winter as a time of scarcity, including the Month of the Bony Moon and Hungry Moon, both from the Ani-Yunwiya, (Cherokee).
When stargazing this month, keep an eye out for the constellation Orion, named for the hunter in Greek mythology. According to NASA, February is one of the clearest times to see Orion. Look for him in the southern sky.
The star Betelgeuse (aka Alpha Orionis) is one of the brightest stars in the night sky, NASA notes. It sits above Orion’s belt, representing the hunter’s right shoulder.
A number of planets will be visible this month, too.
“Mid-February, Saturn will drop down toward the horizon as Venus and Mercury climb upward in the sky, meeting together in the west to southwestern sky,” NASA writes on its website. “Jupiter will find itself high in the sky. And even Uranus, found in the southern sky, and Neptune, found nearby Saturn, will join the parade — though you’ll need binoculars or a telescope to spot these two far-off planets. The planets will be visible soon after sunset throughout the month of February, but they’ll be lined up best toward the end of the month.”
