July 3rd is the Buck Moon. What to know about upcoming supermoon, others later this year

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read

Fourth of July displays will see some extra lights in the sky. Or at least one large light.

July's supermoon called the "Buck Moon" will be one of the brightest of the years, just in time for the holiday weekend next month.

At its nearest point, the Buck Moon will be 224,895.4 miles from Earth. Here are the best times to view it, as well as its meaning and when you can catch the other 2023 supermoons:

What is a Buck Moon?

According to the Farmers Almanac, the full moon in July is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer, or bucks, are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by.

What about the full moons? June's 'strawberry moon' is Saturday. What to know about the next full moon.

Are there other names for a Buck Moon?

Don't recognize the Buck Moon name? Maybe you've heard it within other cultures called:

  • Feather Moulting Moon (Cree)

  • Salmon Moon (Tlingit)

  • Berry Moon (Anishinaabe)

  • Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe (Dakota)

  • Month of the Ripe Corn Moon (Cherokee)

  • Raspberry Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe)

  • Thunder Moon (Western Abenaki)

  • Halfway Summer Moon (Anishinaabe)

What is the significance of the Buck Moon?

The Buck Moon has Native American origins and was given to this full moon because it takes place during the time of year when bucks start to grow their antlers.

According to Native American experts, the antlers of a buck are a symbol of strength and growth, meaning the Buck Moon is often associated with renewal and rejuvenation.

Some also believe the supermoon spiritually signifies embracing and manifesting new versions of yourself.

When is the best time to see the Buck Moon?

July’s full Buck Moon will rise on Monday, July 3, reaching peak illumination at 7:39 a.m. With Independence Day just the next day, fireworks displays will have an extra glow to them.

The last quarter of the moon will be on July 9, with the New Moon on July 17 and First Quarter on July 25.

When are the other Super Moons in 2023?

  • “Sturgeon Supermoon” on Tuesday, August 1, 2023

  • “Blue Supermoon” on Wednesday, August 30, 2023

  • “Harvest Supermoon” on Friday, September 29, 2023

What is a Super Moon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full. Due to its proximity to the Earth, it appears larger and brighter.

What is the difference between a full moon and a supermoon?

While full moons happen once every lunar cycle, which is once every 29.5 days, supermoons only usually happen between three and four times a year.

The other major difference is the size since supermoons are closer to the Earth. Though a supermoon is technically bigger and brighter than a full Moon, it only appears about 7% larger.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Supermoon to join 4th of July fireworks in 2023. Learn about Buck Moon