Stargazers, get ready for a mesmerizing lunar display tonight as July’s full moon, also known as the “buck moon,” graces the night skies. This year’s event promises to be the most dazzling full moon spectacle of the year, and it will be visible on Monday, July 3rd, 2023.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon phase will be visible on Monday, with its peak illumination occurring at 7:39 a.m. Eastern Time. Weather permitting, individuals across different parts of the United States can enjoy this celestial phenomenon by looking southeast after sunset.
The nickname “buck moon” comes from the fact that July is the time when male deer grow their antlers as part of their annual cycle of regrowth and shedding. However, the buck moon is also known by various other names, many of which have roots in Native American cultures.
What makes this full moon particularly special is that it is a supermoon. Shannon Schmoll, the Director of the Abrams Planetarium, explains that a supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its full phase while being in close proximity to the Earth along its orbit, resulting in a slightly larger appearance in the sky.
While the size difference between a regular full moon and a supermoon may not be readily apparent to the naked eye, The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that this first full moon of summer will be exceptionally bright and situated approximately 224,895.4 miles (361,934 kilometers) away from Earth. For comparison, the average distance between Earth and the Moon is about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers), making this supermoon around 22,466 kilometers closer than usual.
So, grab your telescopes and cameras, and prepare to witness the stunning beauty of the July ‘Buck’ SuperMoon as it illuminates the night skies tonight. Enjoy this captivating celestial event and marvel at the wonders of the universe.
