Summer has been eventful for astronomy, with the June strawberry moon and a mini planetary alignment. And if you felt a shift in the cosmos or more communication issues, you can blame it on Mercury entering
retrograde.
The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will gleam over skies this week. When is the July full moon? Is it a supermoon? Here's more on July's full moon.
When is the July full moon in 2026?
The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:36 p.m. ET, according to Space.com.
What phase of the lunar cycle is the moon in now?
As of July 27, the moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase at 96% illumination, according to Space.com.
The moon's phases in July are:
- 🌗 Last quarter: July 7
- 🌑 New moon: July 14
- 🌓 First quarter: July 21
- 🌕 Full moon: July 29
How did the buck moon get its name?
Why is the July full moon traditionally called the buck moon? What does the word buck have to do with July?
The nickname buck moon refers to male deer, known as bucks, according to Old Farmer's Almanac. The July full moon is known as the buck moon as male deer antlers reach (or come close to reaching) full growth.
Antlers shed and regrow every year, and bucks produce larger and more impressive sets as the years pass.
When is the August 2026 full moon? What is it called?
August's full moon, the sturgeon moon, will peak on Friday, August 28, 2026, per Old Farmer's Almanac.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is the July full moon this week? When to see the buck moon in Ohio
