July's Buck Moon: The First Supermoon of the Year Lights Up the Sky

The Buck Moon, July's full moon, will rise after sunset on July 3 and illuminate the night sky for several nights. This full moon is the first of four supermoons, appearing larger and brighter than usual. It is called the Buck Moon because it coincides with the time of year when male deer are forming their antlers. Other names for this month's moon cycle include Feather Moulting Moon, Salmon Moon, Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe, Month of the Ripe Corn Moon, Raspberry Moon, and Thunder Moon. The next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will occur on August 1.