Seven Striking Details About Tonight's Spectacular Full Moon Known as Buck Moon
Get ready for a celestial spectacle as the Buck Moon graces our night sky on July 10, 2021. This full moon, a significant event in the Northern Hemisphere, has several unique characteristics and names associated with it.
The Buck Moon is known for its distinctive appearance in the sky. Often appearing lower in the sky, it seems larger due to the Moon Illusion. This optical phenomenon occurs when the Moon is seen near the horizon, making it appear larger than when it is higher in the sky.
July's full moon also marks the time when male deer (bucks) begin growing new antlers, a process that occurs rapidly in summer. This seasonal significance has led to the moon being named the Buck Moon.
Astronomically, the Buck Moon is the first full moon after the summer solstice, which means the Moon follows a low arc across the night sky.
The Buck Moon goes by several names, reflecting its cultural and seasonal significance. It is commonly known as the Buck Moon, derived from the growth of new antlers on male deer during this period. Another name is the Thunder Moon, due to the frequency of thunderstorms during this time of the year. The Hay Moon is another name, reflecting the summer hay harvest season.
To witness the Buck Moon at its best, moonrise is the ideal time. Stellarium Web can provide a sky chart for the Buck Moon, helping you locate it in the night sky. Interestingly, the Buck Moon may appear orange during moonrise due to Rayleigh scattering. This phenomenon, which also causes sunsets to be orange, occurs because orange light travels through Earth's atmosphere more easily without scattering off particles.
The thickest part of Earth's atmosphere is on the horizon, which affects the colour of the Buck Moon. As a result, the Buck Moon will appear larger when it's close to the horizon, further adding to its allure.
To find out the exact timing for moonrise, a sunrise and sunset calculator can provide you with the information. With these insights, you can plan to witness the stunning spectacle of the Buck Moon on July 10, 2021.
Lifestyle enthusiasts might find the Buck Moon in July an exciting outdoor-living event, offering stargazing tips to capture the Moon's distinctive appearance. For those planning home-and-garden activities, mark your calendars for the next full moon in 2025, as the Full Moon Dates in 2025 include the Full Moon in July, promising another celestial spectacle.
