Feb. 12 marks the Lantern Festival, a celebration of family reunions and traditions such as eating Yuanxiao, admiring the full moon, and lighting lanterns. According to astronomical experts, during this year's Lantern Festival, the moon "will be roundest on the fifteenth" (Feb. 12) at 9:53 p.m.

In terms of weather, a band of rain clouds is currently covering the coastal areas of Guangdong and the northern South China Sea. Light rainfall has been recorded in most areas of Hong Kong this morning, with around 10mm of rain observed in eastern Hong Kong Island and the eastern New Territories. The Hong Kong Observatory forecasts cloudy skies with a few showers today, occasionally heavier rain, coastal fog, and moderate easterly to northeasterly winds. The next couple of days are expected to be cool in the mornings and evenings with strong winds, while brief sunny intervals are likely over the weekend.

Yang Jing, a member of the Chinese Astronomical Society, explains that the moon appears fullest during the "full moon" phase, which occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the Moon's fully illuminated side to face the Earth. While full moons most often occur on the 15th or 16th day of the lunar calendar, they occasionally occur on the 14th or 17th day, though these are less common. Statistics show that full moons occur most frequently on the 16th day, giving rise to the popular saying, "The moon on the sixteenth day is rounder than on the fifteenth."

In the past decade, from 2015 to 2024, there were four years when the "roundest moon on the fifteenth" occurred, specifically in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024. There were five years when the "roundest moon on the sixteenth" occurred, namely in 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2023. There was only one year when the "roundest moon on the seventeenth" occurred, which was in 2022.

Moon-gazing is an essential part of Lantern Festival traditions, as the full moon symbolizes reunion, harmony, and happiness. Yang Jing advises that tonight's full moon will rise slowly from the eastern horizon after sunset. At this time, its proximity to ground-level reference points will make the moon appear larger and slightly reddish to the naked eye. As it ascends and reaches its peak fullness, the moon's color will gradually change to white or pale yellow.

Related News:

Explainer: How do Chinese people celebrate Spring Festival?

Chinese New Year's city walk in Shanghai: Foreign friends enjoy festival in Yuyuan Garden