Vancouverites were treated to a glorious full Strawberry Moon this June, but they’ll have the opportunity to view a magnificent full Buck Moon this July.
Named after the time of year when young bucks begin to grow new antlers from their foreheads, the July full moon marks a time of renewal. With this in mind, the July moon, like the other months of the year, has many names.
For example, the full moon is also known as the “Thunder Moon.” According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the moon was given that name, “because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.” They note that Native peoples would give distinctive names to each reoccurring full moon to mark the change of seasons. As such, many of these names arose when Native Americans first interacted with colonialists.
The moon also has number of Native American names which, translated directly into English, mean the “Ripe Corn Moon” by the Cherokee, “Middle of Summer Moon” by the Ponca, and “Moon When Limbs of Trees Are Broken by Fruit” by the Zuni.
The full Buck Moon will be at its fullest on July 16, 2019.
Stargazers should opt to travel as far away from city lights as possible in order to avoid light pollution that will obscure the clarity of heavenly bodies. While this works best in more remote places, anywhere that has a higher elevation will also provide more ideal viewing conditions.
