Skywatchers Prepare for July’s Full Buck Moon: A Monthly Celestial Event
The summer nights are set to glow as the full buck moon graces the skies on Thursday, July 10, at 4:38 p.m. EDT. Known for its distinct name, the buck moon marks the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, named after the antlers that male deer, or bucks, start to grow during this season. This year, the buck moon promises to be particularly spectacular, rising shortly after sunset to create an enchanting evening view.
Viewing Opportunities: Best Times and Locations
For avid moon watchers, the best moment to witness the full buck moon is during its rise at dusk. As the moon appears in the eastern sky, it creates an incredible visual spectacle. For the best experience, enthusiasts are advised to seek elevated spots, such as hills, open fields, or coastlines with unobstructed views. Each location offers a unique opportunity to marvel at this low-hanging celestial body, often described as one of the lowest full moons of the year.
- New York: Sunset at 8:29 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:54 p.m. EDT.
- Los Angeles: Sunset at 8:07 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:33 p.m. PDT.
- London: Sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST.
The Science Behind the Buck Moon’s Position
The phenomenon of the low-hanging full moon is explained by the positions of the moon and sun. The full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, creating a reflection of the sun’s height. In July, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, the full moon appears at its lowest, making it a unique sight during summer evenings.
A Glimpse Through History: The Apollo 11 Connection
The full buck moon holds additional significance, linked to humanity’s monumental leap into space. On July 21, 1969, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins captured an iconic image of the lunar module Eagle returning to the Columbia command module after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history as the first humans to walk on the moon. This photograph is not only a testament to human achievement but also serves as a reminder of the wonder inspired by celestial events like the buck moon.
A Calendar of Moons: Upcoming Celestial Events
The full buck moon is the seventh of twelve full moons expected throughout the year. A typical calendar year features approximately 12 full moons, though due to the differences between the solar year (about 365.24 days) and the lunar year (around 354.37 days), some years, like 2023, can showcase 13 full moons. Looking ahead, skywatchers can anticipate the sturgeon moon on August 9, which will signify the second full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
As excitement builds among astronomers and enthusiasts alike, the buck moon represents a celebration of nature’s rhythms and the wonders of the universe.