Locals looking to do some moon-bathing will have to wait until just after Valentine's Day.
The full "snow moon" will dazzle Metro Vancouver skies with its silvery light on Feb. 16 this year.
Why is it called the full "snow moon"?
While some full moon names have decidedly unique roots, the snow moon's title is straightforward. February sees heavier snowfall than other months in most of the United States, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. 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.
The moon will be at its fullest in Metro Vancouver skies on Feb. 16 at 8:56 a.m., according to timeanddate.com. Of course, the sky won't be dark enough to see the moon at that time, but it will appear full for several hours the night before and the later that night.
Curious to find out what the rest of the winter season has in store for the Lower Mainland? Check out Environment Canada's updated winter weather forecast.
