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The final full Moon of the meteorological winter is set to grace the skies on Sunday, offering skywatchers a chance to observe this natural spectacle. In London, the Moon will rise at 16:13 GMT and remain visible—weather permitting—until it sets at 08:06 GMT on February 2nd. These times will differ slightly depending on your location within the UK. A full Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon align on opposite sides of the Earth, a phenomenon known as ‘syzygy,’ which causes the side of the Moon facing Earth to be fully illuminated. While Sunday marks the peak of fullness, the Moon appears nearly full on the nights immediately adjacent, providing multiple chances to catch a glimpse.
Historically, full Moons have been named to help track the progression of the seasons. These traditional names guided important activities such as hunting, harvesting, and planting, as the bright moonlight was crucial during darker months. Each monthly full Moon comes with its own title, a custom that dates back centuries before the use of the Gregorian calendar. February’s full Moon carries the name Snow Moon, reflecting the frequent heavy snowfall in the northern hemisphere during this period. It is occasionally referred to by other names like the Storm Moon or Hungry Moon.
As for viewing conditions, forecasts suggest a fair amount of cloud cover on Saturday and Sunday nights, with Northern Ireland being the most likely region to enjoy clear skies. The Moon will reach its maximum illumination at 10:09 GMT in the UK, though it will be below the horizon at that exact moment. Nevertheless, the Moon will still appear full when it rises in the evening and for several nights afterward. Sunday’s weather is expected to be mostly cloudy with patchy rain, particularly in the north and east, offering only brief breaks in the clouds. Those hoping to photograph the Moon are advised to switch off their phone’s flash, use night mode, and rely on ambient light for the best results.
Looking beyond this event, the lunar cycle holds more noteworthy moments throughout the year. Notably, on May 31st, an additional full Moon will occur within a single calendar month, an event known as a Blue Moon. This Blue Moon will also be classified as a Micromoon, appearing smaller in the night sky, which is the opposite of a supermoon. Generally, there are twelve full Moons annually, but because the lunar cycle and calendar year don’t align perfectly, an extra full Moon appears roughly every two and a half years. This rarity is the origin of the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
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