by As a 48-hour cold snap is expected to grip the whole of England, skygazers are hoping for a glimpse of the so-called snow moon over the next three days.
weather alert issued to start from 18:00 on Sunday until 18:00 on Tuesdaywith all regions prepared to have cold nights and night frosts.
According to the Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, David Oliver, an area of high pressure will “dominate” the UK weather, with daytime temperatures returning to average figures, normal for this time of year.
Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office are also encouraging people to keep warm and watch out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
Check what the weather is like in your area
Despite the low temperatures, skygazers are hoping for skies clear enough to see the snow moon, which arrives each February and will be visible beginning Sunday afternoon.
What is a snow moon?
According to NASA, the second full moon of the year got its name, the snow moon, from the tribes of Northeast America, who named it because of the heavy snowfall the season typically has.
It was also known as the famine moon due to the scarcity of food and the harsh hunting conditions of the month.
In addition to this year’s full moon, the planets Mars, Jupiter, and Venus will also be visible in the night sky.
When is the snow moon expected in the UK?
The snow moon will reach its maximum illumination at 6:28 p.m. GMT (1:29 p.m. EST) on Sunday, according to NASA. This means that it will occur around two hours after the moon has risen.
It will appear full for three days, until Tuesday.
When the moon is at its brightest, it will be at a distance of around 404,184.89 km from Earth, and with a magnitude of -12.53, according to the BBC.
Eager to see the moon and planets visible, Dr. Agostinho Sousa, a public health medicine consultant, said it’s “important to check on family, friends and relatives who are most vulnerable to cold weather.”
It recommended that people who have a pre-existing medical condition or who are over the age of 65 heat their homes to at least 18°C.
If it is not possible to heat all rooms, UKHSA recommends heating the living room during the day and the bedroom just before bed.
Wearing multiple layers of thinner clothing will also keep people warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drink is also effective in keeping you warm.
