Vermont residents will be able to see the next full moon soon. When's the July Buck Moon?
If you enjoy watching the moon at night, there's good news - a full moon is on the horizon in just a few days.
Last month, the area was treated on the biggest, lowest full moon in years due to how timing lined up with summer solstice. That moon is known as the "Strawberry Moon," a name given by Native Americans as it often lined up with the best time of year to harvest, you guessed it, strawberries.
NASA noted that the Maine Farmers' Almanac "began publishing Native American names for the monthly full moons in the 1930s," adding they are now commonplace in the American vernacular.
So, what is the next full moon called and when will it happen? Here's what to know.
When is the next full moon?
It can be seen on the evening of July 21.
What is the next full moon called?
The Native American name for the full moon on July 21 is the Buck Moon.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, it is called as such "because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by."
The Almanac added that some alternate names for this full moon are the Feather Moulting Moon (Cree origin) and Salmon Moon, of Tingit origin.
What are the names of some other full moons coming up?
- Aug. 19: Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 17: Harvest Moon
- Oct. 17: Hunter's Moon
- Nov. 15: Beaver Moon
- Dec. 15: Cold Moon
What's the best way to observe the Buck Moon?
A full moon can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
But in a past interview with USA Today Network, Tim Brothers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology technical Instructor and observatory manager, said with any case of stargazing, it's much better if you're using a good telescope or a pair of binoculars.
Mostly sunny skies are currently in the forecast for July 21, so it should make for good viewing.