July’s full moon, also known as the Buck Moon, occurs in the early Sunday morning hours.
Here’s what you need to know about the last full moon.
When is the full moon in July 2024?
The Buck Moon arrives at 6:19 a.m. on July 21, 2024, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The name for this month’s full moon refers to the time of year that male deer grow antlers. Adult male deer grow antlers that fall off each winter and grow back each summer.
The full moon occurs when the moon is opposite the sun, causing the near side of the moon to be fully illuminated, according to NASA. The July full moon is also known as the Squash are Ripe Moon by the Algonquin, the Moon of the Young Corn by the Potawatomi, and the Raspberry Moon by the Anishnaabe.
The complete lunar cycle, including all phases from new moon to full moon and back, lasts 29.5 days.
Facts about deer antlers
- Animals in the deer family—deer, elk, moose—grow antlers, which are bone and shed each year. This is different from horns, which are grown by bovine animals such as cows, goats, and sheep.
- The antlers of a mature white-tailed deer grow fastest with bone. In fact, the antlers grow as much as a quarter inch per day.
- Although antlers are useful during the fall breeding season, deer shed them in the winter. This can make a significant difference in weight, as deer antlers weigh 3 to 9 pounds, with healthier deer growing heavier antlers.
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When is the next full moon of 2024?
The next full moon is on Monday, August 19, 2024. This moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, referring to the time of year when fishing is popular, including for lake sturgeon.
How do you photograph the moon?
Whether you’re using a top-of-the-line DSLR or the smartphone you carry in your pocket, it’s possible to take a great photo of the moon. It’s important to keep your camera steady, using a tripod or similar stabilization, to get a great long-exposure shot.
A better lens will give you better detail on the craters and other details on the lunar surface. Whatever camera you use, setting your ISO low and aperture wide while shooting at a slow shutter speed will give you a good exposure of the moon.
— Steve Howe covers weather, climate and lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. He is an RIT graduate who returned to Rochester after working in New York state and Utah. Share with him at [email protected].