Skywatchers who missed last month’s rare low-hanging full moon due to cloudy skies have a second chance this week. July’s Buck Moon reached its peak brightness Wednesday night, but it will continue to appear full and strikingly low in the sky through Friday.
While June’s full moon marked the lowest in the sky until 2043—thanks to a rare lunar standstill—this month’s Buck Moon is not far behind. It will rise low on the southeastern horizon, offering a similar visual spectacle for those who missed the June display.
The best time to view the Buck Moon is just after sunset. The moon’s low position makes it appear larger and more golden than usual due to an optical effect called the “moon illusion,” where objects near the horizon seem bigger than they are.
Named by Indigenous peoples and early farmers, the Buck Moon refers to the time of year when male deer begin to regrow their antlers. It traditionally marks the heart of summer and a turning point in the seasonal cycle.
Source: The Weather Channel