Buck Moon Presents Average-size Full Moon on Night of July 14

The July full moon falls tomorrow – on Friday, July 15 – at 6:40 Universal Time. Although the full moon comes at the same instant for everyone worldwide, the clock – as always – reads differently according to time zone. In the United States, the full moon occurs tomorrow – on July 15 – at 2:40 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 1:40 a.m. Central Daylight Time, 12:40 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time and 11:40 p.m. (on July 14) Pacific Daylight Time.

This July full moon presents the first full moon after the June 21st solstice. In North America, we often call this particular full moon the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon or Hay Moon. At this time of year, buck deer grow velvety antlers, thunderstorms rage and farmers struggle to put hay into their barns.

Watch the moon as it rises over the east-southeast horizon at sunset. Like any full moon, the moon will look large and spectacular as it fully reflects the light of the sun. However, this full moon will be only average in size – not large or small as far as full moons go. At about 239,000 miles away, tonight’s moon will reside at or near its average distance from Earth.

The closest and largest full moon of the year came to pass on March 19, 2011. This year’s farthest and smallest full moon will be on October 12, 2011.

But whether near or far, every full moon is unique and special. Enjoy it tonight, as this July night shows off an average-sized full moon from dusk till dawn!

-es