Admire the "Snow Full Moon" This Weekend, the Smallest Full Moon of 2024

This weekend, the nocturnal sky will light up with a peculiar celestial spectacle as the full moon of February, nicknamed the "Snow Moon," makes its appearance. Contrary to expectations of a massive glowing orb, this full moon will be the smallest of the year 2024, a phenomenon resulting from orbital mechanics. Indeed, our natural satellite will reach its fullness while it is near its apogee, the furthest point from Earth on its slightly elliptical orbit.


This phenomenon is the exact opposite of a supermoon. Despite its smaller size, the Snow Moon promises an impressive spectacle, colored with a rich palette of hues at dusk on Saturday, February 24th. It will also mark the beginning of the Lantern Festival, an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, known as Shang Yuan or Yuan Xiao Jie.

Following the Snow Moon, the next lunar appointment will be with the "Worm Moon" on March 25th. This phenomenon heralds a slight penumbral eclipse, leading up to a total solar eclipse two weeks later, on April 8th, which will cross North America, promising a breathtaking spectacle for those located in its path.