July's Full Moon: The Super Buck Moon Shines Bright This Week

This week brings a celestial event that stargazers eagerly anticipate: July's full moon, also known as the second supermoon of the year. This full moon is set to reach its peak on July 13 at 2:38 p.m. EDT, according to Gordon Johnston, a retired NASA program executive and skywatching blogger. While the moon will be at its fullest during the day, it will still appear gloriously full on the night of July 13 and remain so until early Friday morning.

The term "supermoon" refers to a full or new moon that occurs when the moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to Earth, a concept popularized by astrologer Richard Nolle. When the moon is closer to Earth, many people imagine it as being larger and brighter than usual. However, NASA suggests that the difference may not be easily noticeable to the average observer, even though supermoons do appear bigger and brighter in the sky.

At its closest, known as perigee, the moon is approximately 226,000 miles away from Earth. Conversely, at its farthest point, or apogee, it is about 251,000 miles away. When the moon is at perigee, the full moon can seem about 17 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest moon of the year. While this might not seem like a major difference, it can make for a stunning celestial display that is worth witnessing.

The upcoming supermoon is more than just a beautiful sight; it also influences natural phenomena. Supermoons can cause higher tides than normal because of their closeness to Earth. Observers eager to catch a glimpse of the supermoon should seek dark, clear skies for the best viewing experience and consider watching it near the horizon for a more impressive sight.

If you miss the chance to see it live, don't worry! The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a livestream to showcase the supermoon, making it accessible to anyone interested in astronomy. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on the same day, providing an opportunity to watch this impressive spectacle from the comfort of your home.

July's full moon also carries cultural significance, sometimes referred to as the Super Buck Moon due to the antlers of male deer being in full growth during this time. The Old Farmer's Almanac offers a list of traditional full moon names, indicating that this month's moon has rich historical roots. Other names for July's moon include the Salmon Moon, a Tlingit term, and the Hay Moon, highlighting various aspects of nature and agriculture.

As you prepare to witness this awe-inspiring lunar event, remember that supermoons are not extremely rare but occur about three to four times a year. While the last full supermoon was in June, this one in July is particularly special as it is the largest full moon of 2022. The next supermoon will take place in December, although it will be a new moon and not visible.