Astronomers and skywatchers alike are eagerly anticipating the Buck Moon, which will illuminate the night on Thursday, July 10.
This full moon marks the first of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and will reach its full phase at 4:38 p.m. EDT, though observers in North America will not be able to see it until after moonrise that evening.
As dusk descends, the orange orb of the Buck Moon will emerge on the eastern horizon, offering a striking view for those ready to witness this celestial event.
To find the perfect time to gaze at the moon from your location, a moon calculator can provide exact moonrise times.
The Buck Moon will appear in the constellation of Sagittarius, renowned among summer constellations in the Northern Hemisphere.
However, viewers should temper their expectations regarding the visibility of bright stars in close proximity to the full moon, as Sagittarius lacks prominent stars that typically capture the eye.
July’s full moon is notable for being one of the lowest in the night sky, second only to June’s Strawberry Moon.
This occurrence is linked to the full moon’s timing early in the month; since a full moon is positioned opposite the sun, it reflects the sun’s position in the sky.
With the sun at its peak during the summer solstice on June 20, the Buck Moon will mirror this low position, appearing during dusk in the southeastern sky before traversing the southern sky, without ascending significantly above the horizon.
This phenomenon illustrates how both celestial bodies behave in relation to one another; the full moon nearest the December solstice stands as the highest of the year.
As the Buck Moon rises and travels across the night sky, its low position will create an optical illusion, enhancing the moon’s perceived size and color.
This phenomenon, often referred to as the “moon illusion,” is a well-documented experience that has fascinated observers for centuries, as explained by NASA.
In addition to its low elevation, the Buck Moon will also be the farthest full moon from the sun in its orbit.
This celestial alignment results from Earth’s elliptical orbit, with the planet reaching aphelion — its farthest distance from the sun — on July 3.
Since the full moon occurs when the moon is on the side of Earth facing away from the sun, it will stand as the most distant full moon of the year.
The name “Buck Moon” derives from the new-growth antlers of male deer that appear in July in North America.
Various Native American cultures have attributed additional meanings to this month’s full moon, referring to it as the Salmon Moon, Raspberry Moon, and Thunder Moon.
In English vernacular, it is often called the Hay Moon, a nod to its connection to the midsummer harvest.
Celtic cultures recognize the moon with names such as the Claiming Moon, Wyrt Moon, Herb Moon, and Mead Moon.
Following the Buck Moon, the next celestial event to look forward to will be the Sturgeon Moon, set to rise on Saturday, August 9.
image source from：livescience
