July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon, arrives early Sunday morning.
Here’s what to know about the latest full moon.
When is the full moon in July 2024?
The Buck Moon arrives on July 21, 2024 at 6:19 AM. Farmer’s Almanac. This month’s full moon marks the growing season of the antlers of the male deer. Adult male deer shed each winter and grow antlers each summer.
According to NASA, a full moon occurs when the moon is opposite the sun, causing the near side of the moon to be fully illuminated. The full moon in July is called the Ripe Moon by the Algonquin, the Young Corn Moon by the Potawatomi, and the Raspberry Moon by the Anishnabe.
A complete lunar cycle, including all phases from new moon to full moon and back, takes 29.5 days.
Deer Antler Facts
- Animals in the deer family — deer, elk, moose — grow bone and shed antlers every year. This is different from the horns grown by cattle such as cows, goats and sheep.
- Antlers have the fastest bone growth in the world, with adult white-tailed deer antlers growing ¼ inch per day.
- Although the antlers are useful during the fall breeding season, deer shed them in the winter. Since deer antlers can weigh anywhere from 3 to 9 pounds, healthy deer grow heavier antlers, so this can make a significant weight difference.
Further:Deer are wreaking havoc in New York. Here’s why
Further:Where are the most cases of Lyme disease in NY? Check the rates in your district
When is the next full moon in 2024?
The next full moon is Monday, August 19, 2024. It’s called the Sturgeon Moon to mark the time of year when fishing, including lake sturgeon, is plentiful.
How to photograph the moon
Whether you’re using a top-of-the-line DSLR or a smartphone in your pocket, it’s possible to get a good picture of the moon. Keeping your camera steady, using a tripod or similar stabilization is important to getting a good shot during long exposures.
A better lens will give better detail to craters and other details on the moon’s surface. Regardless of the camera you use, setting your ISO low and aperture wide while shooting at a slow shutter speed will help you get the right exposure of the moon.
— Steve Howe covers weather, climate and lake issues for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he returned to Rochester after stints in New York State and Utah. Share with him at [email protected].
