Last night’s July full moon did not disappoint. It’s historically called the Buck Full Moon because it arrives at about the time when male deer are sprouting the velvety antlers that the bucks hope will grow into spiky displays that turn the heads of grazing does.
Above, you see the Buck Full Moon as it’s rising above Amen Ridge last night. Below, it’s sailing southeast above Naskeag Harbor, partially illuminating a fishing vessel.
At lower angles relative to us, the moon was turned yellow-orange by the sun’s light; as it gained height, it turned silver:
The most cited full Moon names, including this Buck Moon, come from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. They are based on historic sources, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources.
Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not solely to the full Moon. (Brooklin, Maine)