Snow Moon 2025: A Winter Celestial event
Stargazers, mark your calendars! The snow Moon, February’s full moon, will grace the night sky on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, offering a captivating display of warm hues as it rises on the eastern horizon at dusk.
This celestial event, though, will not coincide with a lunar eclipse.
The Story Behind the Snow Moon
According to the Maine Farmer’s Almanac,which began publishing traditional Indigenous names for each month’s full moon in the 1930s,February’s full moon is known as the Snow Moon or the Storm Moon. The almanac notes that this moniker reflects the heavy snowfall frequently enough experienced by northeastern tribes in what is now the United States during this time of year.
Ancient weather data supports this tradition. While December adn January typically receive important snowfall,february often emerges as one of the snowiest months in certain regions. The national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that a ample percentage of major Northeast snowstorms – those ranked Category 3 or higher on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS) – occur in late January or early February.
The Best Time to Witness the Full Snow Moon
For the most breathtaking view, position yourself to witness the Snow Moon’s ascent just after sunset in your local area. Below are the sunset and moonrise times for key cities on February 12, 2025:
- New York City: Sunset – 5:26 PM EST, Moonrise – 5:41 PM EST
- Los Angeles: Sunset – 5:33 PM PST, Moonrise – 5:57 PM PST
- London: Sunset – 5:04 PM GMT, Moonrise – 5:09 PM GMT
Tips for a Stellar Snow Moon Viewing Experiance
To make the most of this celestial event, consider the following tips:
- Find a High Vantage Point:Seek out hills, atop buildings, or elevated platforms to ensure an uninterrupted view of the eastern horizon.
- visit Coastal or Open Spaces:Beaches, expansive fields, or parks away from city lights provide optimal darkness for viewing.
- Enhance Your View with Binoculars: While the moon is visible to the naked eye, binoculars can magnify lunar details, allowing you to observe craters and surface features.
always check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies on the night of the Snow Moon.
A Monthly Guide to 2025’s Full Moons
Throughout 2025, skywatchers can expect a spectacular series of full moons. Here’s a month-by-month guide to upcoming full moons and their peak times, courtesy of Astronomy.com:
- Worm Moon: Friday, March 14, at 2:55 a.m.
- Pink Moon: Saturday, April 12, at 8:22 p.m.
- Flower Moon: Monday, May 12, at 12:56 p.m.
- Strawberry Moon: Wednesday, June 11, at 3:44 a.m.
- Buck Moon: Thursday, July 10, at 4:37 p.m.
- Sturgeon Moon: Saturday, August 9, at 3:55 a.m.
- Corn Moon: Sunday, September 7, at 2:09 p.m.
- Hunter’s Moon: Monday, October 6, at 11:48 p.m.
- Beaver Moon: Wednesday, November 5, at 8:19 a.m.
- Cold Moon: Thursday, December 4, at 6:14 p.m.
The Snow Moon promises a captivating celestial event for skywatchers everywhere. Embrace the chance to connect with nature and marvel at the beauty of our celestial neighbor.
What past methods or traditions were used to track and name the full moons, and how do those connect to the Snow Moon’s name?
Snow Moon 2025: An Interview with Dr. Amelia Harding
A celestial event you won’t want to miss
February’s full moon, the Snow Moon, peaks on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, offering a breathtaking spectacle of warm hues as it ascends the eastern horizon at dusk. We spoke with Dr. Amelia Harding, an astrophysicist at the National Observatory, to learn more about this captivating celestial event and its historical significance.
What makes the Snow Moon unique,Dr. Harding?
“It’s more then just a gorgeous sight.The Snow Moon’s moniker is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions and aligns with historical weather patterns. The Maine Farmer’s Almanac, which began documenting these customary names in the 1930s, notes that February often sees notable snowfall in the northeastern United States, a fact supported by weather records. The NOAA even reports that major snowstorms frequently occur in late January and early February in the Northeast.”
Are there any special viewing tips for those wanting to witness the Snow Moon’s splendor?
“Absolutely! Finding a high vantage point, away from city lights, is crucial. hills, rooftops, or even elevated park areas can offer unobstructed views of the eastern horizon. Coastal areas or open spaces,too,are fantastic choices as they tend to have darker skies. And if you have binoculars, those can enhance your experience by revealing lunar craters and surface features.”
Do you have a favorite memory connected to a full moon?
“Waking up as a child and gazing at the full moon through my bedroom window, feeling both small and connected to something vast and ancient, those are the memories that stick with me. It’s a reminder of the incredible beauty and wonder that exists beyond our everyday lives.”
What would you say to those who might not be familiar with lunar events?
“Even if you’re not a seasoned stargazer, the Snow Moon is a great chance to connect with the sky. It’s a natural phenomenon accessible to everyone. Put aside your devices,find a peaceful spot,and allow yourself to be captivated by the celestial show.”
Embracing the Celestial Dance
dr. Harding’s insightful remarks remind us that the snow Moon is not just a celestial spectacle; it’s a window into our history, our connection to nature, and the boundless wonder of the universe.
