Don’t miss out on the chance to witness July’s full moon this weekend!
Known as the Buck Moon, the full moon will reach its peak illumination in the U.S. at 6:17 a.m. ET on Sunday, July 21. The full moon will be visible throughout the weekend, from Friday night to Monday morning.
The name “Buck Moon” originates from male deer, also called bucks. In late spring, male deer begin growing new antlers, which become fully visible by July, covered in velvety fur. According to the [reference needed], the Algonquin tribes that lived in what is now the northeastern U.S. named this full moon “Buck Moon.”
July’s full moon is also known by other names. Some Indigenous groups refer to it as the Thunder Moon because its timing coincides with salmon runs, a time when the fish migrate up rivers each year. Others call it the Thunder Moon due to the frequent thunderstorms of early summer. Europeans call the full moon the Hay Moon because early summer is typically when haymaking takes place.
This year’s Buck Moon coincides with a significant space event: the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. As Armstrong descended the ladder to take the first human steps on the moon, he famously declared: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for all mankind.” Over half a billion people witnessed this historic moment on television.
The next full moon after this weekend will occur on Aug. 19. Known as the Sturgeon Moon, it will also be visible for about three days, from the morning of Aug. 18 through the morning of Aug. 21, according to NASA.
