There's a Stunning Full Buck Moon Happening on July 3

Even though we all know how the moon cycle works, there's always something exciting about looking up at the sky and spotting a full moon — even more so when it's an unusual color or appears larger than normal.

The first full moon of the summer season, also known as the Buck Moon, is happening in the beginning of July. Here's everything you need to know about the buck moon (including how to make sure you don't miss it).

The Buck Moon refers to the full moon that rises every July.

All 13 full moons have a name that come from season-tracking traditions by Indigenous Americans, specifically from the Algonquin tribes, which helped people to remember what to expect from the current season and how to prepare for the future.

The Buck Moon got its name because July is when bucks' (male deer) antlers are at their peak size before they shed them and start the process of growing antlers all over again. This is the most common name for July's full moon in North America, but it is also referred to as the Berry Moon, the Thunder Moon, the Salmon Moon, Herb Moon, or Mead Moon. These names all correspond to natural seasonal occurrences in July such as frequent thunderstorms, an abundance of wild berries, and salmon returning after spawning season.

This year, the Buck Moon will fall on July 3rd, with peak illumination at 7:39 a.m. ET, but obviously, it won't be fully visible until the sun sets on that day. The buck moon generally marks the mid-point of summer, though this year it falls just 12 days after the official start of the summer solstice. The timing for this year's Buck Moon couldn't be better, as it will create the perfect backdrop for Independence Day fireworks!

Even better, July's full moon will be one of four supermoons this year. A supermoon refers to a full moon that appears larger than usual (7% to be exact). This phenomenon is due to the moon's elliptical orbit, so when there is a supermoon, the moon actually is closer to earth (no optical illusions here).

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