What's That Glowing Orb in the Sky Tonight? The Full Moon Explained
Hello there, moon gazers! Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered, "What is today's full moon called?" You're in the right place! Let's dive into the fascinating world of our celestial neighbor and learn about the full moon names and their meanings. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what is today's full moon called.
The Full Moon: A Brief Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of today's full moon name, let's quickly recap what a full moon is. A full moon occurs when the Moon is located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, resulting in the side of the Moon that's facing us being fully illuminated. This happens roughly every 29.5 days, which is the length of a lunar cycle.
Full Moon Names: A Lunar Calendar
You might be wondering, "Why are full moons given names?" Well, buckle up, history buffs! The practice of naming full moons dates back to Native American tribes and early colonial Americans. Each full moon was given a unique name based on the month, season, or natural events that occurred during that time. These names helped track the seasons and know when to plant crops or prepare for winter.
The Full Moon Names List
Now, let's get to the main event! Here's a list of full moon names, organized by month:
January: Wolf Moon or Old Moon
Kicking off the year, the January full moon is known as the Wolf Moon. This name comes from the howling of hungry wolves in the dead of winter. Alternatively, it's also called the Old Moon, as it's the first full moon of the year.
February: Snow Moon or Hunger Moon
In the heart of winter, the February full moon is aptly named the Snow Moon. This name reflects the heavy snowfall that typically occurs this month. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, you might also hear it called the Hunger Moon, as this is the time when food supplies run low.
March: Worm Moon or Sap Moon
As temperatures start to rise, the March full moon is called the Worm Moon. This name comes from the earthworm casts that appear as the soil warms up. In the Northeast, it's also known as the Sugar Moon, marking the time when maple sap begins to flow.
April: Pink Moon or Egg Moon
The April full moon is named the Pink Moon, after the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, that blooms this month. However, don't expect the moon to turn pink! The name refers to the flower, not the moon's color. In some regions, it's also called the Egg Moon, signifying the arrival of spring and the egg-laying season.
May: Flower Moon or Milk Moon
In May, the full moon is known as the Flower Moon, celebrating the abundance of flowers that bloom this month. Alternatively, it's also called the Milk Moon, referencing the milk produced by cows during this time.
June: Strawberry Moon or Rose Moon
The June full moon goes by two names: the Strawberry Moon and the Rose Moon. The former refers to the strawberry harvest that occurs this month, while the latter celebrates the blooming of roses.
July: Buck Moon or Thunder Moon
In July, the full moon is called the Buck Moon, marking the time when male deer start to grow new antlers. In the Southeast, it's also known as the Thunder Moon, reflecting the frequent thunderstorms that occur this month.
August: Sturgeon Moon or Red Moon
The August full moon is named the Sturgeon Moon, as this was the time when sturgeon were most easily caught. In some regions, it's also called the Red Moon, due to the reddish color of the moonrise and moonset this time of year.
September: Harvest Moon or Corn Moon
The September full moon is famously known as the Harvest Moon. This name comes from the full moon's proximity to the autumnal equinox, which signals the start of the harvest season. In some regions, it's also called the Corn Moon, marking the time when corn is harvested.
October: Hunter's Moon or Blood Moon
The October full moon is known as the Hunter's Moon, as this is the time when hunters would prepare for the upcoming winter by hunting game. In some regions, it's also called the Blood Moon, due to the reddish hue the moon can take on during a lunar eclipse.
November: Beaver Moon or Frosty Moon
In November, the full moon is called the Beaver Moon, as this is the time when beavers prepare for winter by building their lodges. Alternatively, it's also known as the Frosty Moon, signifying the arrival of frosty weather.
December: Cold Moon or Long Nights Moon
Last but not least, the December full moon is called the Cold Moon, reflecting the chilly temperatures of this month. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's also known as the Long Nights Moon, as this is the time when the nights are longest.
What is Today's Full Moon Called?
So, what is today's full moon called? Well, that depends on the month! Use the handy list above to find out the name of the current full moon. And if you're curious about the moon's phase, be sure to check out our guide to the different moon phases.
Conclusion: The Full Moon's Many Faces
There you have it, moon enthusiasts! From the Wolf Moon to the Cold Moon, each full moon has a unique name and story. So the next time you gaze up at the full moon, you'll know a little bit more about this fascinating celestial body.
Stay curious, and happy moon watching!