Stargazers have an exciting celestial event to look forward to this weekend as July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon, graces the night sky. Scheduled to reach peak illumination at 6:17 a.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Buck Moon is expected to captivate both amateur and seasoned astronomers from Friday evening through early Monday morning.
The name “Buck Moon” can be traced back to the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States, a testament to their keen observations of nature. In late spring, male deer, or bucks, begin to grow new antlers coated in velvety fur. By July, these antlers are in full display, inspiring the name of this summer full moon. Over time, other cultural names have emerged, including the Thunder Moon, reflecting the frequent storms of early summer, and the Hay Moon, named by Europeans after the haymaking season.
This year’s Buck Moon falls on a weekend that holds historical significance as well. It coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969. On that day, Neil Armstrong made history with his iconic words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” More than 500 million people watched as Armstrong and fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the lunar surface.
For those planning to view the full moon, NASA recommends choosing a location with minimal light pollution. Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California offers an ideal setting, with its dark skies providing a stunning backdrop for moon watching. However, there’s a trade-off: a bright full moon can make it challenging to see other celestial wonders, like the Milky Way, which is also visible at this time of year.
NASA has also added a whimsical touch to the event, encouraging sky watchers to don "suitably celebratory celestial attire" as they gaze at the Buck Moon. While enjoying the lunar show, safety precautions should not be ignored, especially with the thunderstorms that often accompany this time of year. Lightning can pose a danger to outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, astronomy enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the next full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, which will peak on August 19, 2024. As a supermoon, it will appear larger and brighter than the average full moon. The season’s meteor showers will also add to the sky-watching excitement, with the next one slated to occur on July 31.
The folklore of the full moon names offers a fascinating glimpse into the ways different cultures have marked the passage of time and the cycles of nature. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac played a pivotal role in popularizing these names in the 1930s, borrowing from Indigenous traditions. The practice of naming full moons stretches back centuries and extends well beyond the United States, showcasing the moon's universal allure.
Historically, the names given to the moons reflected the activities and natural phenomena that coincided with each lunar phase. For instance, the Algonquin people not only named the Buck Moon for the deer but used it to signify the time of new growth in their environment. European names like the Hay Moon or Mead Moon similarly highlight seasonal agricultural tasks.
Understanding these moon names provides a richer appreciation for the interconnectedness of human cultures and the natural world. In modern times, these names continue to captivate the imagination, offering a blend of historical context and natural beauty with each lunar cycle. For some, the Buck Moon serves as a pleasant reminder of nature’s rhythms, while for others, it’s a moment to reflect on humanity’s achievements in space exploration.
The Buck Moon’s timing, alongside the Apollo 11 anniversary, underscores the longstanding fascination humans have with lunar events. As we cast our eyes to the sky this weekend, we not only witness an astronomical phenomenon but also participate in a shared tradition that spans generations and continents.
As NASA’s statement about this full moon concludes, “The Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Friday evening through Monday morning. This makes it a full Moon weekend,” ensuring plenty of opportunity to appreciate this natural wonder. The myriad names and stories attached to the Buck Moon reflect the diversity of human experiences and our collective curiosity about the cosmos.
So, gather your friends, family, and perhaps even some “celestial attire,” and take a moment to marvel at the Buck Moon. Its brilliance is not just in its glow but in the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and scientific discovery it encapsulates. As we look to the skies, we’re reminded of both the ancient practices of our ancestors and the awe-inspiring achievements of modern science.
Neil Armstrong’s words from the Apollo 11 mission echo the unending human spirit of exploration and wonder: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” This weekend, as the Buck Moon shines down, it serves as a glowing emblem of our enduring quest to understand and celebrate the universe we inhabit.
