Houston skywatchers will want to look up Wednesday night as July’s Full Buck Moon rises over the southeastern horizon.
The moon officially reaches its fullest phase at 9:35 a.m. Wednesday, July 29. Since that happens during daylight hours in Houston, the best opportunity to see it will come Wednesday evening as the nearly perfectly illuminated moon climbs into the night sky.
When to see the Buck Moon in Houston
The moon will rise shortly after sunset Wednesday. Look low toward the east-southeast as it begins to appear above the horizon.
It may look especially large and golden while it is still low in the sky. No telescope or special equipment is needed.
An open location with a clear view of the southeastern horizon will provide the best view. Passing clouds could occasionally block the moon, but there should still be opportunities to see it.
Why is it called the Buck Moon?
July’s full moon is called the Buck Moon because young male deer typically begin growing new antlers around this time of year.
The antlers are initially covered in a soft layer of velvet before hardening later in the season.
Other traditional names for July’s full moon include the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon.
Will it look different?
Despite its name, the Buck Moon will not appear dramatically different from a typical full moon. It is also not a supermoon.
It may briefly look yellow, orange or reddish near the horizon. That happens because its light travels through more of Earth’s atmosphere.
The moon will also appear nearly full Tuesday and Thursday nights, giving skywatchers more than one chance to see it.
If you see the full buck moon and take photos we’d love to see it! You can send your photos in to Click2Pins.