How to see the full "Snow micromoon", which rises on February 5?
On February 5, the full moon will be a "micromoon," meaning that it will be quite far from Earth. The full moon in February is known as the "snow moon." It is a micromoon as well.
Because this full moon is at one of its most distant points in its elliptical path around Earth, the full moon will appear smaller than usual when it rises on February 5.
On February 5, at 1:28 p.m. EST (18:28 GMT), the Snow Moon will be at its fullest; it will rise above the horizon around sunset. The moon will be seen as bright and full on the night of Feb. 4 and 6 as well.
The moon will be located in the constellation Leo (the lion), close to the brightest star in that group, Regulus, according to EarthSky.
While skywatching, look towards the southwestern horizon just after sunset, to see a rising Venus and a setting Jupiter.
These two planets will look just a hair apart on March 1, 2023, after appearing to be progressively closer to each other throughout the February month.
The February micromoon will be 252,171 miles (405,830 km) away from Earth, compared to the average distance of 239,000 miles (384,400 km), according to EarthSky magazine.
Because of this position, February's "Snow Moon'' will be a micromoon, a full moon that is visible when the moon is at one of its greatest distances from the planet. This is called apogee in astronomy.
According to the Universities Space Research Association, a micromoon's diameter is 30% less than a supermoon's diameter from Earth's perspective.
In American folklore, February's full moon is referred to as the Snow Moon because snow often lingers on the ground in much of North America at this time of year.
Other Native American names for the moon in February include the Hungry Moon and the First Flower Moon, according to the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association.