The arrival of summer heralds the first full moon of the season. This year’s July full moon, known as the Buck Moon or Thunder Moon, will illuminate the night sky on July 10, peaking around 4:37 a.m. local time on July 11. Although the peak occurs quite late, the moon will remain bright throughout the night. According to Stellarium’s sky map, observers can expect the moon to rise in the southeast shortly after sunset and traverse the sky, setting in the southwest just before dawn. Regardless of your location in the U.S., you will have the opportunity to enjoy its splendor all night long. For those who might miss the sight due to inclement weather, the moon will be over 95% full from July 8-12, offering ample chances to catch a glimpse.
The Buck Moon and Thunder Moon have intriguing origins that date back to Native American and colonial practices. The various names for July’s full moon, including the Feather Moulting Moon and Salmon Moon, serve to describe seasonal activities occurring during this time. The name “Buck Moon” comes from the fact that white-tailed deer are actively growing their antlers during this period, which typically begins in March or April. Meanwhile, “Thunder Moon” reflects the frequent thunderstorms that occur throughout July, providing a fitting description for this month. The lesser-known names also relate to natural events, as some salmon begin their migration for mating, and ducks undergo molting during this month’s cycle.
On the night of July 10, stargazers will have the added bonus of spotting two prominent planets: Mars and Venus. Mars will be visible in the western sky just after sunset but will set before midnight. For those willing to stay up late, Venus will make an appearance shortly after 2 a.m., remaining visible until sunrise. Saturn can also be spotted in the eastern sky, close to the moon, although binoculars or a telescope may be necessary due to the moon’s brightness hampering visibility.
As the moon concludes its monthly journey, sky enthusiasts can look forward to rest of July. Specifically, they can anticipate the peak of two meteor showers: the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids. Both meteor showers are set to occur in the last few days of the month, providing additional celestial entertainment for those keen on exploring the night sky. While the full moon steals the show on the night of July 10, these meteor showers offer another layer of excitement for those who enjoy cosmic phenomena.
As summer unfolds, the full moon serves as a reminder of the cyclical patterns found in nature. The Buck Moon invites observers to engage with the rhythms of the natural world, whether through the growth of wildlife like deer and salmon or the stunning meteor showers that grace the heavens. Each name associated with this full moon encapsulates not just the celestial event itself, but also the seasonal transformations occurring on Earth.
In summary, the Buck Moon or Thunder Moon offers a spectacular way to welcome summer, illuminating the night sky with its brilliance. With opportunities to view it alongside notable planets and the impending meteor showers, July presents a rich canvas for both casual observers and devoted astronomers. The intersection of tradition, natural phenomena, and astronomical events makes this month’s full moon a time to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the wonders of the universe.
