When is the Next Full Moon?
If you are planning a photography shoot, a ritual, or just want to gaze at the night sky, knowing the exact timing of the next full moon is essential. Here at MoonPhase.Today, we track the precise moment of astronomical opposition to bring you accurate lunar data. Use the live countdown below to see exactly when the Moon will reach 100% illumination in your local timezone.
Full Moon Names and Meanings
Most of the Moon names used in North America and Europe originate from Native American, Colonial American, and European folklore. These names were traditionally used to track the seasons rather than the calendar months.
πΊ January: Wolf Moon
Named after wolves that were heard howling outside villages amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter.
βοΈ February: Snow Moon
February typically sees the heaviest snowfall in North America. Some tribes also referred to this as the Hunger Moon due to difficult hunting conditions.
π March: Worm Moon
As the ground thaws, earthworms appear, inviting the return of robins. It signals the end of winter.
πΈ April: Pink Moon
Named not for its color, but for the wild ground phlox (a pink flower) which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring.
πΌ May: Flower Moon
Flowers spring forth in abundance this month. Other names include the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
π June: Strawberry Moon
This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. It marks the short season for harvesting strawberries.
π¦ July: Buck Moon
Early summer is normally when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur.
π August: Sturgeon Moon
Named by fishing tribes who found that the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this month.
πΎ September: Harvest Moon
The most famous name. Unlike other moons, this one provides bright light late into the night, allowing farmers to harvest crops.
πΉ October: Hunterβs Moon
With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see the animals.
𦦠November: Beaver Moon
This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, ensuring a supply of warm winter furs.
π§ December: Cold Moon
This is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip, and the nights are at their longest and darkest.
Common Questions About the Full Moon
What is the best time to photograph the Full Moon?
The best time for photography is actually moonrise, not midnight. When the moon is close to the horizon, you get the "Moon Illusion" effect, making it appear much larger against trees and buildings. The lighting is also softer during the "Golden Hour" (just after sunset), allowing you to capture details of the lunar surface without overexposing the shot.
Why does the Moon sometimes look orange or red?
This usually happens when the moon is rising or setting. Because it is low on the horizon, its light has to travel through a thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere to reach your eyes. The atmosphere scatters the blue light, letting only the red and orange wavelengths pass throughβthe same physics that gives us colorful sunsets.
How long does the Moon stay "Full"?
Astronomically speaking, the "Full Moon" lasts for only a single instant (when it is exactly 180Β° opposite the Sun). However, to the naked eye, the Moon appears 98-99% full for about three days: the day before, the day of, and the day after the exact peak.
Does the Full Moon affect sleep?
While scientific consensus varies, some studies suggest a link. A 2013 study published in Current Biology found that participants took longer to fall asleep and slept for less time during a full moon, likely due to the increased brightness of the night sky affecting natural circadian rhythms.
What is the difference between a "Blue Moon" and a "Black Moon"?
A Blue Moon is typically the second Full Moon in a calendar month. A Black Moon is the opposite: it is the second New Moon in a single calendar month. While Blue Moons are bright and obvious, Black Moons are invisible to the naked eye as the moon is in shadow.