July’s Buck Moon will be at its fullest and closest to aphelion on Thursday, July 10, making it the farthest moon from the Sun.
The Moon always fascinates people, casting its gentle glow across the night sky and stirring something ancient in our hearts. Its phases mark the passage of time and its presence inspires sky gazers and dreamers.
Among its many faces, July’s Buck Moon holds a specific charm. Rising in the warmth of July, this year’s Buck Moon will brighten the night sky on Thursday July, 10.
Why is it Called the Buck Moon?
Buck Moon gets its name from the time of year in North America when male deer known as buck begins to re-grow its antlers covered in soft velvet. By the time of autumn equinox, the deer shed the velvet and display their fully grown antlers. Given its name association, the Buck Moon represents the phase of renewal, revival and growth.
Besides Buck Moon, the other tribes in North America call July’s full moon Salmon Moon, Thunder Moon, and Raspberry Moon.
Anglo-Sexon culture referred to it as Hay Moon as it represents the time for hay harvesting.
What is so special about Buck Moon
July’s Buck Moon is called the First Full Moon of the summer in the Northern hemisphere. It is also the second lowest-hanging moon after June’s Strawberry Moon.
The low-hanging characteristic of the moon is due to its proximity to the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Resultantly, the moon follows a track, showing its position lower to the sun.
This effect is more extremely evident in 2015 due to a phenomenon known as “Major Lunar Standstill”, occurring every 18.6 years.
Buck Moon—Farthest From Sun
Buck Moon is also seen farthest from the sun because Earth’s orbit of the sun is slightly elliptical, reaching at the aphelion point that is a far from sun on its orbital path.
The Best Place to See Buck Moon
One can easily see the Buck Moon in North America from an area with an unobstructed view and preferably away from city lights.
The Best Time to See July Full Buck Moon
The full moon’s peak illumination will occur at 4:36 p.m. EDT on July 10. In North America, the moon will only be visible when it is still below the horizon.
Moreover, the best time will be at the moonrise, at the desk on Thursday evening, appearing as an orange orb on the eastern horizon.
But don’t worry if you miss the exact time because one can still enjoy the full glowing disc before and after the day. No telescope is needed, Just step outside and enjoy July’s full Buck Moon.
