What was the full moon in February 2019
The full moon in February 2019 occurred on Saturday, February 19, 2019, at 10:53 UTC (11:53 a.m. CET). This Full Snow Moon rose around sunset and was visible in most populated regions, offering a high-information view of a classic winter full moon. Unlike near-supermoon events, this full moon exemplified a typical full phase, useful for framing expectations and planning observations. Below we break down exact timing, global visibility, and practical viewing tips.
Exact timing and time zones
Universal Coordinated Time and regional conversion
Because the astronomical event is defined in UTC, all local times derive from offset calculation. For planning and record-keeping, the February 2019 full moon provides a dependable reference template for other years.
| Region | Time Zone | Local Peak Time |
|---|---|---|
| UTC | UTC | 10:53 |
| London | GMT | 10:53 |
| New York | EST (UTC-5) | 05:53 |
| Chicago | CST (UTC-6) | 04:53 |
| Los Angeles | PST (UTC-8) | 02:53 |
| Tokyo | JST (UTC+9) | 19:53 |
| Sydney | AEDT (UTC+11) | 21:53 |
Visibility and moonrise/moonset
In the Northern Hemisphere, a February full moon rises near sunset and sets near sunrise, spending most of the night above the horizon. The Full Snow Moon earned its name from historically heavy snowfall. Light pollution and local weather will affect viewing quality; higher elevations and darker skies improve clarity.
Moon phase mechanics and definitions
Synodic month and illumination
The full moon phase occurs when the Moon and Sun are opposite ecliptic longitudes, producing near-total illumination for about three days centered on peak. The synodic month averages 29.53 days, meaning lunar dates shift each calendar year. Understanding this helps contextualize the February timing and predict future occurrences.
Notable astronomical context
Winter full moon characteristics
Because the full moon in February is close to the winter solstice, it follows a lower, slower arc across the sky, yielding longer observable evening visibility. Although not a supermoon in February 2019, it remains a useful datum for comparing apparent size and timing effects in subsequent years.
Practical observation and photography tips
- Check local moonrise and moonset tables; peak brightness occurs near the meridian.
- For photography, use low ISO, a sturdy tripod, and consider exposure bracketing to preserve highlight and shadow detail.
- In urban areas, seek eastern viewpoints for moonrise and western horizons for moonset.
Comparative table: February full moon attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 19, 2019 | Ephemeris |
| Peak Time (UTC) | 10:53 | JPL Horizons |
| Apparent Magnitude | ~−12.7 | Standard astronomy reference |
| Moon Phase | Full | USNO} definitions |
| Zodiac Constellation | Virgo | Ecliptic coordinate calculation |
| Next February Full Moon | February 8, 2020 | Lunation cycle projection |
Relating to long-term sky observation
Tracking full moons across seasons enhances pattern recognition and supports planning for eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and tidal phenomena. Use this February 2019 example as a reference point for building a personal lunar log.
Bottom line
The February 2019 full moon was a reliable, fully illuminated event peaking on February 19 at 10:53 UTC. It rose near sunset, was well placed for evening viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, and exemplifies how winter full moons behave differently in arc and duration than those in summer.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does the full moon date shift each year?
The lunar month is roughly 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, causing lunar dates to drift earlier each year by about 10–13 days. This drift means the February 2019 full moon serves as a baseline rather than a fixed annual event. Due to time zones and moonrise timing, the calendar date can differ by one day between regions. Always check local moon calendars when scheduling observation or photography.