Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: The full moon on February 24, 2024, is known by various names such as “Snow Moon,” “Hunger Moon,” and “Minimoon.”
- It occurs when the Moon is directly opposite the Earth from the sun.
This particular full moon is called a “minimoon” because it happens a little over a day before apogee when the Moon is farthest from the Earth in its orbit.
The term “Snow Moon” originates from the 1930s Maine Farmers’ Almanac, referring to the heavy snows typical of February.
Additionally, it is termed the “Hunger Moon” due to the challenges faced by tribes in the northeastern US in hunting during this snowy season.
