July full moon set to peak. 5 things to know

July's full moon peaks Wednesday morning, July 29, but the Earth's companion will appear full in the night sky again this evening. The buck moon reaches its peak in the late morning, at 10:36 a.m. on July 29, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. The moon will continue to appear full at night follo

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What is the story about?

July's full moon peaks Wednesday morning, July 29, but the Earth's companion will appear full in the night sky again this evening.

The buck moon reaches its peak in the late morning, at 10:36 a.m. on July 29, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The moon will continue to appear full at night following the peak, if clear skies allow.

Want a closer look? Buy a telescope here

Here's what to know about the buck moon.

When is the buck moon's peak?

July's full moon, the buck moon, will reach its peak at 10:36 a.m. Wednesday morning, July 29, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The moon has appeared full leading up to the peak and will continue to in the following day or two.

How did the buck moon get its name?

The name buck moon comes from bucks, or male deer, reaching their antlers' full-growth during this season,

according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

How far away from Earth is the moon?

The average distance between the Earth and the moon is 238,855 miles, according to NASA Space Place.

At its farthest from the Earth, the apogee, the moon is about 252,088 miles away. When the moon is at perigee, or its closest point, it's 225,623 miles away.

Is the buck moon a supermoon?

No, the buck moon is not a supermoon.

When is the next full moon in 2026?

The sturgeon moon will peak Aug. 28, 2026.

Where can you watch the buck moon in Michigan?

Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.

The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
In Port Austin, Port Crescent State Park.
In Clayton, Lake Hudson Recreation Area.
In Carp Lake, Wilderness State Park.
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are international spots. And, finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an international sanctuary.