February’s full Snow Moon will shine all weekend in Okanagan, Kamloops

Night sky watchers will have a chance to enjoy February’s full moon this weekend however there could be periods of clouds to contend with.

Known as a Snow Moon, it will reach its peak illumination at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, and will appear full from Saturday night through Monday night.

The February full moon gets its name for the snow that typically falls in February, and it goes by several other names including Eagle Moon, Bear Moon and Hungry Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. 

Saturday and Sunday nights have periods of cloud in the overnight forecasts across the region, while Monday has full cloud cover in the overnight forecast. Despite the name of the full moon, no snow is predicted to fall this weekend.

Sky watchers can bundle up warmly and find a viewing point away from city light pollution to improve the experience. Craters and surface textures can be seen with binoculars and telescopes. The best time to observe the full moon is around midnight when it is highest and brightest.