Snow Moon Tonight, 'Snow Moon' Rises

Youtube

Wild lunar news: Will tonight's semi-rare 'snow' moon produce music? - Attention all lovebirds, space nerds and general skywatchers: Tonight there will be a full-blown “snow” moon! Yeah, yeah. The moon changes its appearance more than a confused teenager or the late rock star David Bowie, but seeing a snow moon is a somewhat rare treat that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

As The Weather Channel reported today, the lunar cycle takes at least 29 days to complete. This means that every 19 years or so February doesn’t even get a full moon. Tonight, however, it’s time for the “snow” moon to shine.

Some Native American tribes gave this moon such a frigid name name because February is usually the snowiest month of the year. Others called it the “hunger” moon, as weather conditions made it quite difficult to hunt after the new year. The moon’s icy light show probably didn’t matter much to starving natives, but it sure is beautiful to look at now.

Minnesota astronomer and blogger Astro Bob says that this year’s snow moon could create many breathtaking halos and coronas, which are caused by fractals of light that shine off the moon and bounce through the atmosphere.

There’s also a good chance that Monday’s moon will be making weird music, although we probably won’t be able to hear it. ABC News has revealed that Apollo 10 astronauts heard eerie whistling during their 1969 trip to the moon. Recently declassified recordings reveal just what these strange tones sound like, as documented in a new Science Channel show called “NASA’s Unexplained Files.”

Scientists think the haunting “woooo” sounds might be radio interference, but it’s hard to tell. There’s still a lot to learn about our very mysterious satellite companion. It controls the ebb and flow of tides, makes sure the planet doesn’t wobble too much and, in the end, puts on a great show. So grab a telescope and check out the final frosty lunar display of winter.