The Buck Moon, July's only full moon, will appear in the night sky this Wednesday, 28 July, offering a rare chance to see a spectacular lunar display. The full moon, also known as the Thunder Moon or Hay Moon, will be low on the horizon, making it appear larger and yellow or orange.
What is the Buck Moon?
The name Buck Moon originates from Native Americans, who noted that male deer (bucks) regrow their antlers during late summer. It is also called Thunder Moon after the season's thunderstorms, and Hay Moon by farmers for the July hay harvest. The moon's impressive size is an optical illusion: it hangs low on the horizon, appearing larger when viewed against foreground objects, though it is not physically closer to Earth. Its yellow or orange colour results from sunlight passing through Earth's thick atmosphere, which filters blue and violet light, leaving only yellow and orange.
When will the Moon rise?
The Buck Moon will reach peak illumination in the UK at around 3.36pm BST on Wednesday, though it will be just below the horizon at that time. It will still appear as a golden or orange orb visible to the naked eye. According to EarthSky, the moon will appear lowest and largest in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere will see a high full moon. The moon follows the sun's path across the sky, rising higher after the first glimpse, which can create optical effects like a halo in cloudy weather.
Where is the best place to see the Buck Moon?
Astronomers are advised to find high ground with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the sky. Noah Petro, chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Lab at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, told CNN people will have "flexibility" to see the moon provided they are "in a place that's free of bright lights" and "have a fairly clear view of the sky." In the UK, the west country offers the best conditions with largely clear skies. Key viewing points include Troopers Hill Nature Reserve and Clifton Observatory in Bristol, Victoria Park between Bedminster and Totterdown, Cleeve Hill and Painswick Beacon in Gloucestershire, and the Avebury Stone Circle and Barbury Castle in Wiltshire.
What is the weather forecast for Wednesday evening?
The UK is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 33C in some areas on Wednesday. The warm weather brings clear skies for most of the country in the evening. The Met Office forecasts highest temperatures in London and the South East, with heatwave conditions. Wales and eastern Scotland will see a dry, sunny week. Western Scotland and northwest England may be cloudier on Tuesday, with possible rain or drizzle. Heavy showers could develop in some areas, obscuring views of the Buck Moon. Cloudy conditions may also affect the southwest around Exeter and Plymouth, most of Wales, parts of Yorkshire, and the northeast coast. However, the west country viewing points, such as those listed above, are expected to remain largely clear during the day, with some cloud arriving after the moon reaches peak illumination.
