Buzz
This year's Buck Moon will also appear as a supermoon, much like the striking supermoon captured in the photograph by John Finney Photography/Getty Images.The moon's cycles are entirely predictable, yet there always seems to be something captivating about the phases of the moon. The upcoming full moon in July promises to be no exception.
Ever wondered why the full moon is named? You might have heard it called the "Buck Moon." Here's a deeper look into its origins and the unique name that it carries in the night sky.
In 2022, the full moon will reach its peak at 6:38 p.m. GMT (2:38 p.m. EDT) on July 13, according to NASA. For many in the Western and Far Eastern Hemispheres, this means the full moon will occur during the day when the sun is still visible, and the moon is below the horizon. However, there’s no need to worry, as the moon will still shine brightly in the night sky after the sun sets.
The Buck Moon is known by many names, and one of them is revealed through the click of a button. Check out the different names the Buck Moon holds.
The name "buck moon" is rooted in the rapid growth of new antlers on male deer (bucks) during this time of year. This period, when antlers fully grow in mid-summer, marks an important moment in the annual cycle of deer. The term "buck moon" originates from the Native American Algonquin people, who lived mainly east of the Mississippi River, an area where deer were abundant.
The July full moon is not just called the Buck Moon; different Native American tribes have their own names for it, such as the Thunder Moon, Berry Moon, Raspberry Moon, and the Salmon Moon (a term from the Tlingit people referring to when salmon return to the Pacific Northwest rivers). In Celtic traditions, it was known as the Claiming Moon, Herb Moon, Wyrt Moon (with 'wyrt' meaning 'herb'), or Mead Moon.
The Buck Moon in 2022 is not only significant because of its name, but also because it will be the brightest supermoon of the year.
You’ve likely encountered the term "supermoon" in recent years. A supermoon occurs when the moon is full and reaches its closest point to Earth, known as the perigee. Throughout the year, there are typically three to four supermoons. These moons appear slightly larger and brighter than typical full moons, although the difference is often too subtle for casual observers to notice.
The July 2022 Buck Moon stands out as the largest and brightest supermoon of the year. While June’s Strawberry Moon also qualified as a supermoon, the July moon will be a bit closer to Earth, making it appear slightly bigger. To be precise, the moon will be 222,089.3 miles (357,418 kilometers) away from Earth, 124 miles (200 kilometers) closer than it was in June.
The Buck Moon isn't the only moon with a unique name. Many lunar cycles throughout the year carry their own special titles, passed down through generations. Click here to explore more of these names.
In addition to the Buck Moon, each full moon of the year holds its own historical names. As the year progresses, these names reflect the changing seasons. The Sturgeon Moon typically rises in August, followed by the Full Corn Moon in September, and the Hunter's Moon in October. These names often relate to agricultural or hunting activities that were crucial for Native American groups before European settlers arrived.
