Get ready for an extraordinary celestial event, as the first supermoon of 2023 is poised to illuminate the skies tonight, captivating astronomy enthusiasts worldwide. Known as the “Buck Moon,” this magnificent phenomenon is scheduled to shine at approximately 10:24 PM GMT (01:43 PM EDT) this evening and will reach its full phase tomorrow morning, marking a spectacular start to the month of July. As darkness falls after 10:40 PM GMT in the UK and 1:45 AM EDT in the US, both Mars and Venus may also grace the night sky, according to Stellarium.
This extraordinary spectacle occurs when the Moon reaches its full phase, which happens every 29.5 days. However, this supermoon brings something special, as our lunar satellite will appear 5.8% larger and emit light that is 12.8% brighter compared to an ordinary full moon, according to Starwalk. Referred to as the “Buck Moon,” it will reach its peak at around 10:24 PM GMT (01:43 PM EDT) this evening, ushering in a magnificent start to July.
Let’s explore the fascinating history behind the names associated with each full moon of the year. In January, we have the “Wolf Moon,” named after the fact that wolves were heard more frequently during this time. February brings the “Snow Moon,” coinciding with heavy snowfall. March offers the “Worm Moon,” as the increasing warmth of the Sun awakens earthworms. The “Pink Moon” graces April, symbolizing the appearance of blooming spring flowers, specifically the Phlox subulata or moss pink. May brings the “Flower Moon” due to the abundance of blossoms. The “Strawberry Moon” follows in June, as it aligns with the strawberry harvest. July is known as the “Buck Moon,” referring to the period when male deer’s antlers are in full growth. In August, we have the “Sturgeon Moon,” named after the large fish that is easily caught during this time. September welcomes the “Corn Moon,” signaling the harvest of corn. October presents the “Hunter’s Moon,” representing the time to hunt in preparation for winter. November brings the “Beaver Moon,” as it marks the ideal period to set up beaver traps. December concludes the year with the “Cold Moon,” referencing the longest nights of the season.
The reason behind this supermoon’s grandeur lies in its proximity to Earth, reaching a distance of 224,895 miles (361,934km), approximately 13,959 miles (22,466km) closer than usual. Referred to as “perigee,” this phenomenon can make the moon appear up to 14% larger than its usual size. As this supermoon occurs in July, it has earned the name “Full Buck Moon,” bestowed by Native Americans. In the southern hemisphere, it is known as the “Wolf Moon” or the “Ice Moon,” while the Celtics refer to it as the “Moon of Claiming.” In some Asian cultures, it is celebrated as the “Hungry Ghost Moon” during August’s Hungry Ghost Festival, where food offerings are presented to roaming souls to prevent them from causing mischief. These offerings, along with gold and other goods, are believed to keep the spirits at peace.
Throughout history, there have been various conspiracy theories surrounding the effects of supermoons and full moons on human emotions, with some suggesting a potential increase in violence. The belief that the moon influences human health originated from early folklore, with claims of heightened sleep problems and seizures. Although the scientific basis for such claims is weak, recent studies have found a potential connection between the moon and sleep. In 2021, scientists at Yale and the University of Washington discovered that people often struggle to fall asleep during a full moon, attributed to differences in lighting intensity that hinder sleep initiation in the early hours of the night. Moonlight available later at night, when most individuals are asleep, has less influence on sleep onset and duration.
While the first supermoon of the year takes place on July 3, the next one is not far away, expected on August 1 at 18:31 GMT (2:31 PM EDT). Don’t forget to bring binoculars or a telescope to your stargazing spot if you want to catch a glimpse of Mars and Venus as darkness falls. It is crucial to choose a cloudless area with an unobstructed view of the horizon, away from city lights and tall buildings. To differentiate between stars and planets, look for objects that don’t twinkle like the flickering stars.
If you miss this awe-inspiring event, don’t fret. There are several astronomical phenomena to look forward to in the coming month, including the peak of five meteor showers. The July Pegasids will be visible to observers in the northern hemisphere around July 23, with approximately five meteors per hour. On July 30, the Southern Aquarids will reach their peak, offering a meteor shower with around 25 meteors per hour.
Now, let’s delve into the different phases of the moon. Just like Earth, the Moon has a day side and a night side that change as it rotates. The Sun always illuminates half of the Moon while the other half remains dark. However, the amount of the illuminated half that we can see varies as the Moon orbits around Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, the moon phases are as follows:
1. New Moon: This phase is invisible, as the illuminated side of the Moon faces the Sun, leaving the night side visible to Earth.
2. Waxing Crescent: During this phase, a thin sliver of the Moon is visible, with the majority of its illuminated half facing away from Earth.
3. First Quarter: The Moon has completed one-quarter of its monthly journey, and we can see half of its illuminated side.
4. Waxing Gibbous: Now, most of the Moon’s illuminated side is visible, making it appear brighter in the sky.
5. Full Moon: This phase allows us to witness the entire day side of the Moon, bathed in the Sun’s illumination.
6. Waning Gibbous: As the Moon starts its journey back toward the Sun, the opposite side reflects the Moon’s light.
7. Last Quarter: From Earth’s perspective, the Moon appears half-illuminated, but it is actually a quarter of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun.
8. Waning Crescent: The Moon is nearly back to the point in its orbit where its dayside directly faces the Sun, and we can only see a thin curve.
Embrace the celestial wonders that the night sky has to offer, and enjoy the upcoming supermoon and other astral events in the comings months.
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