July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon, is set to illuminate the night sky on July 21, 2024, at 3:17 a.m. Pacific time. The name “Buck Moon” is derived from the fact that male deer have fully grown antlers covered in velvet by this time of year. For those looking to catch a glimpse of this celestial event, Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California offers excellent viewing opportunities due to its dark night skies.
However, viewers will have to choose between observing the full moon or the Milky Way, as the bright moon may obscure the view of the galaxy. Following the Buck Moon, the Sturgeon Moon will light up the sky on August 19, 2024, as a supermoon – appearing bigger and brighter than other full moons throughout the year.
This year’s full moons each have their own unique name, inspired by Native American traditions. According to NASA, the full moon schedule for the remainder of 2024 is as follows:
-Aug. 19, Sturgeon Moon
-Sept. 17, Harvest Moon
-Oct. 17, Hunter’s Moon
-Nov. 15, Beaver Moon
-Dec. 15, Cold Moon
Each of these full moons offers a special opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness the beauty of the night sky and learn more about the natural world around us.
As you prepare to gaze up at the night sky in awe of the Buck Moon and upcoming full moons, remember to appreciate the wonders of nature and the rich history behind these celestial events. Whether you choose to view the moon from Joshua Tree National Park or another special spot, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the universe and marvel at the sheer magnificence of the cosmos.
Source link
