First of Four Supermoons, the "Buck Moon," to Illuminate the Sky Tonight
Get ready for an extraordinary sight as the first of four supermoons graces the night sky tonight. Known as the "Buck Moon" during this time of the year, it will shine brighter and appear slightly larger than a typical full moon. The Buck Moon gets its name because it coincides with the period when male deer grow their antlers. Additionally, it is also called the "salmon moon" due to the timing of salmon runs. Some other names associated with this special moon include the "thunder," "hay," "mead," and "rose" moon. During a full moon, the sun, Earth, and moon align, allowing sunlight to directly illuminate the visible part of the moon that we see from Earth. However, a supermoon occurs because of the moon's elliptical orbit. As the moon follows its path, it reaches two crucial points: the apogee, where it is farthest from Earth, and the perigee, where it is closest to Earth. A supermoon happens when the moon is approximately 90 percent of the way toward its perigee position and is simultaneously in the full moon phase. This combination makes it appear larger and brighter in the night sky.
July's buck moon is one of four supermoons to rise in 2023. The full moon will appear to be about 7% larger, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. The Buck Moon marks the first supermoon of 2023, and we can look forward to three more in the upcoming months. In August, we will witness the "sturgeon moon" on the 1st and the "blue moon" on the 30th. The "harvest moon" will grace the sky on September 29th. To catch a glimpse of this magnificent supermoon, find a spot where you have a clear view of the southeastern sky after sunset. However, visibility may depend on the local weather conditions in your area. At the very least, you can enjoy the full moon on Sunday night through Monday morning and again on Monday night through Tuesday morning. Make sure not to miss this awe-inspiring celestial event as the Buck Moon illuminates the night sky, providing a mesmerizing experience for stargazers and moon enthusiasts alike. Read the full article
