A ‘buck’ supermoon will fill the Kansas skies this week. Here’s when you can catch it
The “buck” full moon will be the first supermoon of the year, and Kansas residents may be able to get a good look as fireworks decorate the sky for the Fourth of July.
The buck moon became full at 6:39 a.m. Monday morning, and will appear full until Tuesday evening. While there’s a 30% chance of thunderstorms Monday night in Wichita, Tuesday night should be “partly cloudy” with a low around 70 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
NASA and many other publications recognize the buck and three more supermoons in 2023: two in August and one in September. The definition of a supermoon varies, and some publications only recognize the two in August as supermoons as they will be the brightest.
What is the buck supermoon?
July’s full moon is known as the buck moon because this time of year is when male deer’s antlers are in full-growth mode, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“The term ‘supermoon’ was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as either a new or full Moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth,” NASA’s website reads.
Supermoons can appear brighter and larger than typical full moons, Space.com reports.
More full moons in 2023
Here’s when to see more full moons in 2023, with information from Space.com:
Aug. 1: Sturgeon supermoon
Aug. 30: Blue supermoon (appears biggest and brightest of the year)
Sept. 29: Harvest supermoon
Oct. 28: Hunter’s moon
Nov. 27: Beaver moon
Dec. 26: Cold moon
The blue supermoon will be August’s second full moon, and Forbes says the best times to see it will be the evenings of Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.
These moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
For a closer look at the stars throughout the summer, check out Lake Afton Public Observatory, which is open from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations can be made online for the observatory, but they are not required. Admission is $8 for those 14 years and older, $4 for youth ages 5 to 13 and $7 for adults 65 and older. Immediate family pricing is available for $20.
