Why is the full moon in February called the Snow Moon?

FEBRUARY'S full moon is the second of 2022 – and it's called the Snow Moon.

But why is it called that, and when can you see it? Here's what you need to know...

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Why is February's full moon called the Snow Moon?

February's full Moon is called the Snow Moon.

The Moon names come from the Old Farmer's Almanac.

And that borrows from old Native American and colonial American names passed on through tradition.

The names would represent the time of year, and would help people track the seasons.

February's full moon is the Snow Moon because it's typically a cold time of year, and snow is common.

What is a full moon?

This spectacle occurs when the earth comes directly between the sun and the moon.

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It happens every 29 and a half days, and each month's full moon has a special name.

When is the winter solstice 2022?

This year’s winter solstice, which is also known as midwinter, will occur on Wednesday, December 21.

Celebrations at Stonehenge will take place, with druids, pagans and revellers taking part in a ceremony to mark the shortest day of the year.

The world "solstice" comes from the Latin solstitium meaning "sun stands still" because the apparent movement of the sun's path north or south stops before changing direction.

It is the shortest day of the year, having the least amount of daylight, and will generate the longest night.

Across Europe it is known as Yule, from the Norse word Jul (or juul), meaning wheel.

In the northern hemisphere it is when the North Pole is pointing away from the sun.

After the winter solstice the amount of daylight hours in the UK will increase.

Full Moon dates 2022 – here's the full list

There are 12 full Moons to spot in 2021, each with its own unique name.

Here's the full list:

• January 17 – Wolf Moon
• February 16 – Snow Moon
• March 18 – Worm Moon
• April 16 – Pink Moon
• May 16 – Flower Moon
• June 14 – Strawberry Moon
• July 13 – Buck Moon
• August 11 – Sturgeon Moon
• September 10 – Harvest Moon
• October 9 – Blood Moon
• November 8 – Frost Moon
• December 7 – Cold Moon

February's full Moon is the next to occur.

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