Stargazers across Australia are in for a treat, with July’s full “Buck Moon” set to light up the night sky.
While peak illumination technically occurs just after midnight on Thursday, the moon will appear full to the naked eye from Wednesday.
The moon will appear full from Wednesday in the eastern states. The Image Bank RF
In NSW, Victoria, ACT, and Tasmania, the best viewing starts from around 4.45pm AEST on Wednesday, as the moon rises in the east.
Astrophysicist at Swinburne University of Technology Dr Rebecca Davies said this month’s spectacle will be notably high in the sky.
“The July ‘Buck Moon’ will pass the second highest in the sky of any full moon this year, after the June ‘Strawberry Moon’,” she told nine.com.au.
Davies said you won’t need any special equipment to get a good look.
“The great thing about the moon is it’s easy to see from anywhere.”
Davies said you won’t need any special equipment to get a good look. Supplied
“The moon always looks most spectacular when it’s close to the horizon. Fortunately, moonrise and sunset are very close together at the moment, as is typical during a full moon when the moon is opposite the Sun in the sky.
“So find somewhere with a good view of the eastern horizon,” she explained.
Provided skies remain clear, heading away from bright city lights will give you the best view.
The July full moon is traditionally called the Buck Moon as, in North America, it appears at the time of year when young male deer – known as bucks – begin growing new antlers.
Although the seasons are different in Australia, the name is still used around the world.
The next full moon will be the Sturgeon Moon, which reaches its peak on August 28.