The Snow Moon will rise over Russia: what this phenomenon is and what dangers it may pose.

On Tuesday, as night falls, enjoy the full Snow Moon. But what exactly is this phenomenon? Astronomers have never heard of it, and many astrologers are unfamiliar with it as well. Is it something new in nature? Let's explain.

THANK YOU, NATIVE AMERICANS

February is a unique month because it is short. Do you know why it isn't a complete month? In ancient Rome, February was considered an unfavorable time, and they sought to shorten it. For example, when Emperor Augustus ruled, a month was named in his honor—August—adding an extra day, making August 31 days long. But where did those extra days come from? They were taken from February.

The brevity of February means that there isn't always a full moon during this month. For instance, there wasn't one in 2018 and there won't be one in 2037. Thus, astrologers keep an eye on the February full moon, anticipating something special from it.

To assist astrologers, Native Americans provided names for each full moon long ago. Honestly, no one is sure whether it was actually the Native Americans who did this, as their folklore was compiled by Jonathan Carver in 1760, who might have embellished the tales. Nevertheless, they referred to the February full moon as the Snow Moon because of the abundance of snow during that month (makes sense).

They also called it the Bear Moon (as bear cubs are born), the Hunger Moon (as food runs out), and the Ice Moon (which is self-explanatory). However, only the Snow Moon name has persisted.

So, on Tuesday at 4:54 PM Moscow time, the Moon will reach fullness. You can see it in the evening: to the naked eye, the full moon "lasts" 2-3 days because we cannot discern the imperfections on its surface without a telescope or binoculars. And that's good: if it's not visible on Tuesday (who knows, the weather might not cooperate), we can admire it on Wednesday instead.

IS IT A RARE PHENOMENON?

Media outlets are clamoring to announce: it's a rare phenomenon, hurry to see it. Well... no. The Snow Moon, as we just mentioned, is merely a folkloric name for the February full moon. It was a Snow Moon last year in February, and it will be again next year.

The media and bloggers' excitement has prompted astronomers to joke and even argue. What’s going on? People are being misled, lured outside to observe the moon! They should be told that this full moon is nothing special, and they should stay indoors.

Of course, it's not good to deceive. But is it better to shun the sky? Look at the youth; whether it’s a full moon or a new moon, they only care about their phones. An elderly grandmother might occasionally gaze at the "moon" in admiration, but for the youth, it doesn't matter. Let it be the Snow Moon! Let's go out and see it!

The Snow Moon is simply a folkloric name for the February full moon.

Photo: Mikhail FROLOV. Visit the KP Photo Bank

WHAT ARE THE DARK SPOTS ON THE DISK?

Indeed, it will be beautiful. The February full moon is neither too high nor too low. You'll see it in the constellation Leo. While in January the full moon appears as a tiny disk somewhere above, and in July it barely shows before disappearing, there are chances to see it now.

Even with the naked eye, the dark areas are visible. Astronomers of the past referred to them as "seas," believing there was water there. The name has stuck. Grab a pair of binoculars, even a basic one. Now you can see a lot of interesting details. But where are the famous craters? Here's the catch: you won't see the craters during a full moon. Instead, you might only spot some spots. Sunlight strikes the Moon directly, leaving no shadows or contrasts. Only the lava plains, or "seas," stand out. A bit of terminology (after all, we are scientists). Craters, mountains, and similar features are called "topographical details." Meanwhile, seas and bright areas are referred to as "albedo details," which means details of reflectivity. During a full moon, you only see albedo details, not topography.

And here's a notable albedo detail: it looks like rays or like a glass has shattered into pieces. What are these stripes? That’s exactly what they are. A meteorite hit the surface. Material was ejected. All over the lunar disk! More than half of the Moon is covered with such stripes.

People often think: when is the best time to study the Moon through a telescope? Naturally, during a full moon, since it’s fully visible. However, that’s not entirely true. Yet these rays are only visible during a full moon.

IS THE SNOW MOON DANGEROUS?

Those living far from the city know: wildlife loves winter full moons. Owls hoot, and foxes, along with other forest creatures, come out to show themselves.

But is the Snow Moon "dangerous" for that reason? Perhaps astrologically? I checked the horoscopes, and it seems not. Astrologers say: focus, gather yourself, reassess your plans. Let go of some things, and start doing others.

Good advice that is useful any day.

I read further and found they are warning about full moons in general, not specifically about the Snow Moon. They say: full moons negatively affect us. Is that true?

Culture suggests it is. For example, one of Shakespeare's characters justified his actions by saying the Moon had come too close to Earth and drove him mad. There are many such examples.

Statistics suggest: probably, yes. Chronic illnesses often flare up during full moons, and people tend to act poorly. But it’s unclear whether people, knowing it’s a full moon, will inevitably "get sick" for the sake of order, or if it truly happens.

Science says: I don’t know. Ideally, there should be no influence from the full moon. However, the rhythms of various animals are indeed somehow tied to the Moon, which is quite logical (the night sun!). And while there’s no clear direct influence, there may be some subtle effects.

Thus, the Snow Moon is not particularly dangerous; don’t believe anyone. It’s simply beautiful.