July’s full moon is closer to Earth. Here’s when to get the best view from Pennsylvania

Meredith Howard
·2 min read

The “buck” full moon will be the first supermoon of the year, and Pennsylvania residents may be able to get a good look as fireworks decorate the sky for the Fourth of July.

The buck moon became full at 7:39 a.m. Monday morning, and will appear full until Tuesday evening.

The night of the Fourth of July should be mostly clear before 2 a.m. in State College, the National Weather Service reports, but a chance of thunderstorms is forecast before 7 p.m. The low will be around 64 degrees, and there is a 30% chance of rain.

NASA and many publications recognize the buck and three more supermoons in 2023: two in August and one in September. The definition of a supermoon varies, and some publications only recognize the two in August as supermoons as they will be the brightest.

What is the buck supermoon?

July’s full moon is known as the buck moon because this time of year is when male deer’s antlers are in full-growth mode, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“The term ‘supermoon’ was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as either a new or full Moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth,” NASA’s website reads.

Supermoons can appear brighter and larger than typical full moons, Space.com reports.

More full moons in 2023

Here’s when to see more full moons in 2023, with information from Space.com:

  • Aug. 1: Sturgeon supermoon

  • Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year)

  • Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon

  • Oct. 28: Hunter’s moon

  • Nov. 27: Beaver moon

  • Dec. 26: Cold moon

The blue supermoon will be August’s second full moon, and Forbes says the best times to see it will be the evenings of Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.

These moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.

The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host a free, public stargazing event from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at Tudek Park. The club also hosts public astronomy meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at South Hills Business School.