Buck Moon 2024: How and when to view the supermoon

Sky lovers will soon be able to once again view one of the most fascinating celestial spectacles there is: a new full moon. Since the Moon orbits the Earth every 29 days, this phenomenon occurs every month, resulting in the incredible illumination of the night sky. The full Moon of July is called the Buck Moon.

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Why is the full moon in July known as the Buck Moon?

Each full moon is given a name depending on the season in which it occurs. The full moon in July is usually called the Buck Moon. According to National Geographic, the name of this phenomenon is related to the time of year in which the antlers of male deer, or bucks, are in full growth.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, it is in July when these animals get rid of their old antlers and develop a new one, “becoming larger and more impressive as the years go by.” The term “Buck Moon” became popular with Native American tribes.

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When will the Buck Moon occur and how can I observe it in the United States?

The Full Buck Moon will take place this weekend, on Sunday, July 21. The moon will reach its full phase at 6:17 a.m. ET. However, as is usually the case with full moons, the phenomenon can be seen with more than 98% of the lunar disk illuminated one day before and one day after the event.

The full moon can be seen with the naked eye from anywhere in the United States, especially in clear skies. If you want a better view, you can use a small telescope or use binoculars. You can also use the Sky Tonight application to find out the exact time and properties of the full Moon, depending on your location.

When will the next full moon be?

The full moon occurs once a month, and below is the calendar of the remaining moons for 2024, as well as their unique names: