What Is the Buck Moon? (And Why July’s Full Moon Has Antlers)

The Buck Moon, also known as July’s supermoon, is the full moon that appears in the month of July. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to the Earth during its orbit. This closeness makes the moon appear brighter and more intense, hence the name. 

Rooted in Tradition

Every month has a full moon that goes by a special name. These names are usually derived from Native American cultures, where tribes named the moons based on agricultural and seasonal changes. This was their way of tracking time, and it was eventually incorporated into some calendar systems that we use today, such as the Almanac.

July’s moon is called the Buck Moon because it is when male deer – called bucks – have regrown their antlers. Bucks shed their antlers and regrow them throughout the year, and July is the month when they are restored to their full growth. Each year, the antlers become bigger and better as they are freshly grown, covered in soft velvet. 

When to Watch July’s Supermoon

Take advantage of a day under July’s Buck Moon and look at the illuminating moon above you. This month’s supermoon falls on Thursday, July 10, and its peak time of illumination will be at 4:37 pm Eastern time. However, the moon will still be below the horizon in most of North America. The best time to actually see it is just after sunset when it rises in the eastern sky at dusk.

The full moon will also be present on Wednesday, July 9 and Friday, July 11, giving you more options to enjoy this glowing supermoon. Perhaps you have some “antlers” of your own ready to grow to their full potential this month.