OHIO VALLEY — Skywatchers across the Ohio Valley will have two opportunities this week to enjoy July’s Full Buck Moon as it reaches peak illumination Wednesday morning.
While the moon officially becomes full at 10:36 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, it will appear nearly full both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, providing excellent viewing opportunities after sunset.
The July full moon is traditionally known as the Buck Moon, a name that comes from the time of year when male deer begin growing new antlers. As bucks develop a fresh set of antlers each summer, the seasonal event became associated with July’s full moon.
The moon is also known by several other traditional names. Some cultures refer to it as the Salmon Moon because it coincides with the time of year when salmon historically returned upstream to spawn. Others call it the Thunder Moon, reflecting the frequent thunderstorms that often occur during late July.
Astronomy enthusiasts recommend finding a location away from bright city lights with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon shortly after sunset for the best viewing experience.
Residents across portions of the Ohio Valley may also notice the moon appears more orange or reddish than normal. Atmospheric smoke from ongoing wildfires can scatter light, creating richer colors during moonrise and moonset.
This year’s Buck Moon also arrives just days after the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, the first successful human landing on the moon, serving as a reminder of humanity’s long-standing connection to Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
Several full moons remain on the calendar for the rest of 2026:
- Aug. 28: Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 26: Harvest Moon
- Oct. 26: Hunter’s Moon
- Nov. 24: Beaver Moon (Supermoon)
- Dec. 23: Cold Moon (Supermoon)
If skies remain clear, the Buck Moon should provide bright nighttime views across the Ohio Valley on both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
