Full “snow moon” and International Space Station in this evening’s sky

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 02/25/2013

Feb 25, 2013 08:53 PM EST

A Southwest Airlines jet is silhouetted against the rising full moon as it takes of from Sky Harbor Airport Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 in Phoenix. (Charlie Riedel - AP) The moon officially became full at 3:26 p.m. EST and will rise tonight at 6:07 p.m. We double our cosmic pleasure, as just as the moon is rising, the International Space Station will zip across the northern sky (from west to east).

This latest full moon - the third since the winter solstice - is known as the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon since it occurs at a time when winter exercises its strongest grip, writes Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Of course, the Snow Moon moniker is a bit of irony in the Washington, D.C. area, owing to our growing snow drought.

Earth Sky mentions this latest full moon has also earned the names Sap Moon, Lenten Moon, and Crow or Worm Moon, among others.

Just 12 minutes after the moon crests the horizon, the International Space Station will appear in the northwest sky. Its pass will take about 6 minutes and it will exit just above the eastern horizon at 6:25 p.m. - right where the moon is rising. If the timing is right, you might be able to photograph the two together.

Sky conditions for viewing may pose a bit of challenge due to high clouds which have moved into the region. However, satellite imagery shows potential for some breaks in the clouds early this evening in the D.C. area.

In case you missed it, check out this amazing video of the moon rising over Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington, New Zealand by Mark Gee during the last full moon on January 27.

Full Moon Silhouettes from Mark Gee on Vimeo.

(hat tip for video: WJLA weather blog)

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Full “snow moon” and International Space Station in this evening’s sky