A moon worth more than a buck

Mykel Del Angel|THE COSMIC CURRENT GRAPHICS

Every month, the full moon graces the world with its presence, yet many don’t realize each full Moon holds a name rooted in centuries of history, culture and seasonal  observations. These names allowed communities to track the changing seasons long before modern calendars, and this practice remains as an important part of astronomy and cultural heritage today.

The full Moon within the month of July is commonly known as the Buck Moon. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, which documented traditional Moon names in the 1800s, the name refers to the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin growing a new set of antlers. For many Native American communities, deer were an important source of food, clothing and tools, and healthy antler growth symbolized a successful hunting season and the abundance of summer.

While the name "Buck Moon" is most widely recognized today, different Indigenous nations and cultures across North America held their own names for July's full Moon based on the plants, animals and seasonal events most significant to their region. These names reflected local traditions and the natural world rather than a single universal calendar.

The Buck Moon will reach peak illumination at 9:36 a.m. CT July 29. Although it will not be visible from the Rio Grande Valley since it will be below the horizon, the Moon will appear full the night before and the evening of July 29. For the best view, locate the eastern horizon with a clear view and minimal light pollution shortly after moonrise.

Whether you know it as the Buck Moon or another traditional name, July's full moon serves as a reminder of humanity's long history of looking to the night sky for guidance and observation.