July's Full Moon Is Worse Than We Thought!

I### The Buck Moon and Full Moon Events in 2024

**When is the Full Moon in July 2024?**

The full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will reach its peak illumination at 3:17 a.m. Pacific Time on Sunday, July 21, 2024. However, for those who enjoy moon gazing, the moon will appear full both the night before and the night after its peak, making for an extended viewing opportunity. This celestial event promises a beautiful sight in the summer night sky, as reported by Space.com.

**Why is July's Full Moon Called the Buck Moon?**

The term "Buck Moon" is rooted in the natural world, specifically in the life cycle of male deer, or bucks. According to the Farmers' Almanac, bucks begin to grow their antlers in late spring, with the growth accelerating to as much as a quarter-inch per day. The long daylight hours of spring trigger the hormonal changes that initiate antler growth. By the time July rolls around, the antlers are in full velvet, a stage where they are covered in a soft, furry coating. This significant period in the life of a buck gives July's full moon its distinctive name.

**Best Way to View the Full Moon: Joshua Tree National Park**

For those in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is an exceptional place to view the Buck Moon. The park is renowned for its dark night skies, providing an ideal backdrop for moon gazing. During this time of year, Joshua Tree is also in what is known as "Milky Way season." This means the Milky Way galaxy is prominently visible, adding to the allure of a nighttime visit.

However, there's a trade-off. The bright illumination of the full moon can obscure the view of the Milky Way. Therefore, visitors may need to choose between focusing on the full moon or catching a glimpse of our galaxy. Either way, Joshua Tree offers a mesmerizing experience for sky watchers.

**What is the August Full Moon?**

Following the Buck Moon, the next full moon will be the Sturgeon Moon, which will reach its peak illumination at 11:26 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, August 19, 2024. This full moon is particularly special as it is a supermoon, meaning it will appear larger and brighter in the sky than the other full moons seen earlier in the year. This is due to the moon being closer to Earth in its orbit during a supermoon.

**Full Moon Schedule 2024**

Each full moon throughout the year carries its own unique name, often derived from Native American traditions. In the 1930s, the Maine Farmers' Almanac began popularizing these names, and they have since become widely recognized. According to NASA, here is the schedule for the remaining full moons in 2024:

- **August 19:** Sturgeon Moon

- **September 17:** Harvest Moon

- **October 17:** Hunter's Moon

- **November 15:** Beaver Moon

- **December 15:** Cold Moon

Each of these full moons has its own story and significance, rooted in the natural world and the cultural traditions of Native American tribes from various regions of North America.

**Conclusion**

The full moons of 2024 offer a series of fascinating events for both casual and dedicated sky watchers. The Buck Moon in July marks a significant period in the life cycle of bucks, while the Sturgeon Moon in August promises a spectacular supermoon display. Joshua Tree National Park provides an excellent viewing spot for these celestial events, though visitors should decide between focusing on the full moon or the Milky Way. With the full moon schedule outlined, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy these monthly lunar spectacles throughout the year.