Tonight's full moon may appear smaller but don't be fooled. Moon only It seems smaller Because it is located farther from Earth.
Here's what to know about February's full moon on Saturday evening.
micromoon
Saturday marks the “little moon” or “baby moon,” the full moon farthest from Earth. This happens when the full moon aligns with the apogee, the farthest point of the moon Moon orbit from Earth.
The “smaller moon” contrasts with the giant moon, when the full moon or new moon coincides with perigee, which is the closest point in the moon's orbit to the Earth, according to the American “space” website. NASA.
According to astronomers, February's full moon marks the smallest moon appearance this year. While the moon is slow ShrinkThe full moon this month has nothing to do with it.
Origins of the name
The February full moon is often called the “snow” moon, an ode to heavy snowfall during the winter.
The name “Snow” Moon originates from indigenous naming traditions related to the seasons, according to the “Snow Moon”. Farmers Almanac. However, February differs from Michigan's typical weather patterns, with near-record highs and little snowfall.
“In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who visited Naodosie (Dakota), wrote that the name used for this period was the Snow Moon, ‘because more snow usually falls during this month than any other month in the winter.’” Farmer's Almanac said.
Lunar phase
The full moon began at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to the Times of India website. US Naval Observatory. Friday saw a waxing gibbous moon with 99% illumination.
Saturday marks the 15th day of the current lunar cycle, with the Moon located more than 250,000 miles from Earth. According to NASA, the lunar cycle repeats once a month, as the Moon revolves around the Earth in an elliptical path.
Saturday marks the last full moon of winter, and the next full moon will occur on March 19, after the vernal equinox.
“Infuriatingly humble alcohol fanatic. Unapologetic beer practitioner. Analyst.”