When is the next full moon where you are?
There are lots of full-moon calculators out there, but we think the one at TimeAndDate is the best: take a look here.
Moon Phases and The Lunar Calendar
The Moon goes through various phases throughout a lunar month, which lasts approximately 29.5 days.
During a full moon, the entire illuminated side of the Moon faces Earth, and we see a bright, round disk in the sky.
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and its orbit brings it to a point where the Sun’s light fully illuminates its visible side.
A full moon in 2024 is expected to occur on May 29th.
There are several calendars that use lunar months to track time, such as the Hebrew, Islamic, and Chinese calendars.
These calendars align closely with the Moon’s phases, including the full moon.
Moon phases also play a significant role in determining important dates in these calendars, such as the start of a new month and the occurrence of religious observances and celebrations.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Throughout history, full moons have had significant cultural and historical importance.
They’ve been used to mark the passage of time, guide agricultural activities like the Farmer’s Almanac, and hold spiritual meaning in various religious and cultural beliefs.
Observing celestial events such as equinoxes, solstices, and full moons were essential for ancient civilizations to navigate and develop accurate calendars.
The full moon has also been associated with folklore, myths, and legends in different societies.
For example, many cultures believed that the full moon could influence human behavior, leading to the popular superstition that werewolves and other mythical creatures are more active during this phase.
Observing the Moon
To observe the full moon, you need to know when it will rise and set in your location.
The moonrise usually occurs around sunset, and the moonset happens around sunrise the next day.
This is due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon during the full moon phase, as mentioned earlier in the lunar calendar section.
During other phases of the Moon, such as waxing or waning crescent, you can observe the Moon in the sky before or after a full moon.
The waxing crescent phase occurs when the Moon is transitioning from a new moon to a full moon, with a growing portion illuminated, whereas the waning crescent phase occurs as the Moon moves from a full moon to a new moon, with the illuminated portion decreasing.
Understanding the full moon and its phases can enrich your appreciation for this fascinating celestial event.
So, mark your calendar for the next full moon in 2024 and enjoy the beauty and mystery of the Moon in the night sky.
Upcoming Full Moon Dates and Events
Monthly Full Moons and Names
The Full Moons of 2024 have some unique names originating from Native American, Algonquin tribes, and other folklore.
Here is a list of the Full Moons and their corresponding names for the year:
- January: Wolf Moon – January 11th, symbolizing the howling wolves in the cold winter
- February: Snow Moon – February 9th, named for the heaviest snowfalls
- March: Worm Moon – March 25th, corresponding to the time earthworms reappear and attracting birds
- April: Pink Moon – April 23rd, named after the pink flowers (wild ground phlox) that bloom in spring
- May: Flower Moon – May 23rd at 9:53 a.m., relating to the blooming of springtime flowers
- June: Strawberry Moon – June 21st, the peak season for harvesting strawberries
- July: Buck Moon – July 21st, when the new antlers of buck deer begin to grow
- August: Sturgeon Moon – August 20th, marking the time when sturgeon fish were more easily caught
- September: Corn Moon – September 18th, the time for harvesting corn
- October: Harvest Moon – October 18th, the closest moon to the autumnal equinox, which traditionally illuminated the fields for harvest
- November: Beaver Moon – November 16th, named for the time beavers built their winter dams
- December: Cold Moon – December 15th, representing the arrival of cold weather
Special Moons and Occurrences
In 2024, there are some special moons and events that are worth mentioning:
- Blue Moon – August 19th, which is the third Full Moon in a season with four Full Moons
- Micro Full Moon – March 25th, when the moon is at its farthest point from the Earth in its orbit
- Super Full Moons – September 17th and October 17th, when the moon is at its nearest point to the Earth, appearing larger and brighter
- Lunar Eclipses – Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 25th, visible in some locations, and a Partial Lunar Eclipse on September 17th – 18th, visible in other areas
Keep an eye on NASA’s lunar calendar for more specific details on these events and updates on the visibility in different time zones.