February Night Sky

Native Americans have long grown familiar with this moon.  Members of the Cherokee nation refer to this month’s full moon as the Bone Moon.  This was a consequence of depleted food stores and the necessity of cracking-open bones to access the marrow for survival food. 

NASA image

Those of the Kalapuya nation referred to this as the Out of Food Moon.   For others it was the Little Famine Moon or the Hunger Moon.  For the Cherokee the association with hunger and starvation also included a brush with death.  And the people use this as an opportunity to communicate with dead ancestors during the Bone Moon.   

Indeed, these ancient native tribes named this moon after the way trees cracked in the cold, or how people had to huddle around a fire for warmth.  My own people – the ancient Celts – remember this as the Moon of Ice as it is associated with the coldest month of the year.   
On a more upbeat note it is the Hopi tribe of the southwest who call this the Moon of Purification and renewal. 

This close association with the renewal that is marked by the arrival of spring is much more appealing to me than bones and death.  We have modern refrigeration, canning, grocers, central heat, wood stoves, Merlot and streaming television.  Starvation is rare and the entertainment possibilities are endless. Nevertheless, turning our eyes to the heavens hasn't changed in millennia.   

February's full Moon - called the Full Snow Moon - reaches peak fullness at 4:09 PM CST on Sunday, February 1.  For the best view of this Moon be sure to watch for it rising in the east at sunset.  Near midnight the moon will be high in the sky and cast shadows in the snow-covered landscape.  If you are an early riser be sure to look for it low above the western horizon before sunrise on February 2.  The moon will also appear full the evenings of Saturday and Monday - before and after.  Last, but not least, the moon will be closely associated with the brightest star in Leo  - Regulus.  You may have to use your hand to block out any moon glow to spot Regulus.

 

 

Happy viewing.   And fingers crossed for cold, clear winter sky gazing.....