Moon-bathers, rejoice!
The second full moon of the year takes place toward the end of February, offering a chance for locals to soak in its silvery light ahead of the start of meteorological spring.
Known as the full "snow moon," February's full lunar offering gets its moniker to the heavier snowfall experienced during the month across most of the United States, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
The moon will be at its fullest point in Vancouver on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 4:30 a.m., but it will appear full through the night on Friday, too.
Other names for February's full moon include the Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon (Cree), Bear Moon and Tlingit Black Bear Moon (Ojibwe), Raccoon Moon (Dakota), Goundhog Moon (Algonquin), and Goose Moon (Haida). The Cherokee also referred to it as the Bone Moon or Hungry Moon due to the lack of food during the month. Cherokee tribes would commune with their dead ancestors during this time.
Of course, the February moon isn't always associated with death across the globe. For example, many East Asian cultures ring in the new year during this time, and therefore they associate the moon with new beginnings. Many countries celebrate the occasion with lantern festivals and celebratory foods.
Metro Vanocuverites will also be able to view four "supermoons" this year. This happens when a full moon looks roughly 15 per cent brighter and seven per cent bigger than a regular one due to its proximity to Earth.
Want to know what the Metro Vancouver weather forecast will be like before you go out for a sky-watching session?
Find out up-to-date weather information for neighbourhoods across the Lower Mainland with Weatherhood.
