When Is the Next Full Moon? Full Moon Calendar & Names

Introduction

Knowing exactly when to look up can transform a simple glance at the night sky into a memorable celestial event. While the moon graces us with its presence nearly every night, its full, brilliant phase is a spectacle that has captivated cultures for millennia, with each one carrying a unique traditional name.

If you’re wondering when the next full moon is, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides a complete full moon calendar with precise dates, peak illumination times, and the fascinating stories behind names like the Wolf Moon, a Super Moon, or a Blood Moon.

Here is your definitive resource for planning your moon-gazing experiences, ensuring you never miss the chance to see our celestial neighbor in all its glory.

When Is the Next Full Moon?

The next full moon is the Harvest Moon on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, reaching its peak illumination at 10:34 PM EDT (02:34 UTC on September 19). This particular full moon is not only a stunning celestial spectacle but also coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, making it an especially noteworthy event for sky-gazers across the globe.

Peak illumination refers to the exact moment when the Moon's Earth-facing side is fully illuminated by the Sun. While the moon may appear "full" for a day before and after this precise time, observing it as close to the peak as possible offers the most complete and brilliant view. Knowing this exact time is key to planning the perfect moon-gazing experience.

Understanding when and how to view this upcoming lunar event can transform a simple glance at the sky into a memorable astronomical observation. With this knowledge, you can begin preparing for the ideal viewing experience.

How to Watch This Month's Full Moon

Observing a full moon is an accessible and rewarding experience that requires minimal equipment. To make the most of this month's celestial event, follow these simple steps.

First, find the best time to watch. While peak illumination occurs at a specific moment, the most dramatic views often happen during moonrise and moonset. At these times, the moon appears largest on the horizon due to an optical effect known as the Moon Illusion. Check your local time for moonrise on the evening of the full moon to witness this impressive sight.

Next, choose an ideal location. For the best viewing, find a spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for moonrise or the western horizon for moonset. Escaping city lights will reduce light pollution, making the moon appear brighter and revealing more surrounding stars. Parks, open fields, or hilltops are excellent choices.

Finally, gather your gear. You don't need a telescope to enjoy the full moon. The naked eye is sufficient to appreciate its beauty. However, a pair of binoculars can dramatically enhance the experience, revealing details of the lunar surface like craters and the dark, smooth plains known as maria.

With these preparations in place, you can confidently use the full moon calendar to plan your observations for the rest of the year and beyond.

Full Moon Calendar 2024: Dates, Times, and Names

Planning your moon-gazing sessions is easy with a comprehensive full moon calendar. Below are the full moon dates, peak illumination times, and traditional names for 2024. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) or Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

• January 25: Wolf Moon (12:54 PM EST / 17:54 UTC)
• February 24: Snow Moon (7:30 AM EST / 12:30 UTC)
• March 25: Worm Moon (3:00 AM EDT / 07:00 UTC) - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
• April 23: Pink Moon (7:49 PM EDT / 23:49 UTC)
• May 23: Flower Moon (9:53 AM EDT / 13:53 UTC)
• June 21: Strawberry Moon (9:08 PM EDT / 01:08 UTC on June 22)
• July 21: Buck Moon (6:17 AM EDT / 10:17 UTC)
• August 19: Sturgeon Moon (2:26 PM EDT / 18:26 UTC) - Super Moon & Blue Moon
• September 18: Harvest Moon (10:34 PM EDT / 02:34 UTC on Sept 19) - Super Moon & Partial Lunar Eclipse
• October 17: Hunter's Moon (7:26 AM EDT / 11:26 UTC) - Super Moon
• November 15: Beaver Moon (4:28 PM EST / 21:28 UTC) - Super Moon
• December 15: Cold Moon (4:02 AM EST / 09:02 UTC)

As we look beyond the current year, it's helpful to have the next full moon 2025 dates available for long-term planning and to anticipate future celestial events.

Full Moon Calendar 2025: Dates, Times, and Names

Here is a look ahead at the full moon 2025 dates, times, and names to help you prepare for future astronomical events.

• January 13: Wolf Moon (5:27 PM EST / 22:27 UTC)
• February 12: Snow Moon (8:53 AM EST / 13:53 UTC)
• March 14: Worm Moon (2:55 AM EDT / 06:55 UTC) - Total Lunar Eclipse
• April 12: Pink Moon (8:22 PM EDT / 00:22 UTC on April 13)
• May 12: Flower Moon (12:56 PM EDT / 16:56 UTC)
• June 11: Strawberry Moon (3:44 AM EDT / 07:44 UTC)
• July 10: Buck Moon (4:58 PM EDT / 20:58 UTC)
• August 9: Sturgeon Moon (4:55 AM EDT / 08:55 UTC)
• September 7: Harvest Moon (5:09 PM EDT / 21:09 UTC) - Total Lunar Eclipse
• October 7: Hunter's Moon (4:47 AM EDT / 08:47 UTC)
• November 5: Beaver Moon (8:19 AM EST / 13:19 UTC) - Super Moon
• December 4: Cold Moon (11:14 PM EST / 04:14 UTC on Dec 5)

These lists of dates provide the "when," but the traditional names add a rich layer of cultural and historical significance that enriches the story of each full moon.

Traditional Full Moon Names and Their Cultural Significance

The full moon names used today have deep historical roots, primarily from Native American tribes and early European colonists. These names reflect the changing seasons and the natural events associated with them, offering a glimpse into the agricultural, hunting, and ecological calendars of the past, much like how the 12 signs of the zodiac mark the sun's annual journey.

Wolf Moon (January)

Named for the howling of wolves that was often heard during the cold, deep snows of midwinter. This moon symbolized the scarcity and harshness of the season, serving as a natural marker for a challenging time of year.

Worm Moon (March)

This name signifies the arrival of spring. As temperatures rise and the ground thaws, earthworms begin to reappear in the soil, heralding the return of robins and other birds and signaling that it was time to begin planting.

Pink Moon (April)

Contrary to its name, the moon does not turn pink. This name comes from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, one of the earliest and most widespread wildflowers to bloom in early spring, blanketing the landscape in color.

Strawberry Moon (June)

This name was used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, to mark the relatively short season for harvesting wild strawberries, a crucial source of fresh fruit.

Harvest Moon & Corn Moon (September/October)

The Harvest Moon is unique because it is not tied to a specific month but to an astronomical event. It is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox (around September 22). Its bright light, rising close to sunset for several evenings in a row, historically helped farmers harvest their crops late into the night. The Corn Moon is another name often associated with the September full moon, marking the time for gathering mature corn.

Hunter's Moon (October/November)

The full moon following the Harvest Moon is the Hunter's Moon. With the fields cleared from the harvest, hunters could more easily spot animals foraging for fallen grains and preparing for winter, illuminated by the bright moonlight. This period often aligns with zodiac signs known for their focus, such as Sagittarius, whose personality is often described as determined and goal-oriented.

Beyond these monthly occurrences, certain lunar events offer even more spectacular viewing opportunities, driven by unique alignments in the cosmos.

Special Lunar Events to Watch For

While every full moon is a beautiful sight, some are exceptionally captivating due to their unique astronomical circumstances. These special events, like a Super Moon or a Blood Moon, are must-see moments for any sky-watcher.

What is a Super Moon?

A Super Moon occurs when a full moon coincides with its perigee—the point in its elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth. Because of this proximity, a Super Moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point (apogee). While the difference can be subtle to the casual observer, it is a significant event in astronomy and provides an excellent opportunity for photography. The full moons from August to November 2024 are all considered Super Moons.

What is a Blood Moon? The Science of a Total Lunar Eclipse

A Blood Moon is the dramatic name given to the moon during a total lunar eclipse. This event happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its deep, central shadow (the umbra) over the entire lunar surface.

The reddish hue is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. As sunlight passes through our atmosphere, shorter-wavelength blue light is scattered away (the same reason our sky is blue), while longer-wavelength red light is refracted, or bent, toward the Moon. This process illuminates the shadowed moon with a coppery, reddish glow. Understanding what a blood moon is and how to watch a lunar eclipse adds a scientific dimension to this breathtaking celestial spectacle.

The precise mechanics behind these special events are governed by the same orbital principles that dictate the regular full moon phases we observe each month.

The Science of Full Moon Phases

The Moon doesn't produce its own light; it reflects sunlight. The full moon phases we see from Earth are the result of the changing angles at which we view the Moon's illuminated surface as it orbits our planet.

A full moon occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. In this alignment, the side of the Moon facing us is fully illuminated by the Sun's rays. This happens once every lunar cycle, which lasts approximately 29.5 days—the time it takes for the Moon to cycle through all its phases (a synodic period). This cycle is why full moon dates shift from month to month on our solar-based calendar.

The term peak illumination marks the precise moment of this perfect alignment. Even if this moment occurs during daylight hours in your time zone, the moon will still appear full on the preceding and following nights. The predictable nature of these orbital mechanics allows astronomers to create an accurate full moon calendar years in advance, helping everyone prepare for the best viewing.

With a solid understanding of the science, you can apply a few final tips to perfect your moon-gazing technique and make every observation a memorable one.

Tips for the Best Moon-Gazing Experience

To elevate your viewing from a casual glance to a truly immersive astronomical experience, consider these practical tips for your next moon-gazing session.

• Minimize Light Pollution: The single most effective way to improve your view is to get away from city lights. The darker your surroundings, the more brilliant the moon will appear, and you will be able to see more of the surrounding stars and constellations.
• Use Binoculars or a Telescope: While the full moon is stunning to the naked eye, a simple pair of binoculars will unlock a new level of detail. You can easily spot major craters like Copernicus and Tycho, as well as the dark, vast plains of the lunar maria. A telescope will reveal even finer surface features.
• Try Astrophotography: Capturing a great photo of the moon is easier than you might think. Use a tripod to keep your camera or smartphone steady. If using a smartphone, try its "night mode" or "pro mode" to adjust settings like ISO and shutter speed. Using a timer or a remote shutter will prevent camera shake and result in a sharper image.
• Use a Sky-Gazing App: Mobile apps like Star Walk, SkyView, or Stellarium can help you identify not only the moon's position but also any planets, constellations, or bright stars that may be visible nearby, enriching your understanding of the night sky.
• Allow Your Eyes to Adjust: Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness. This will significantly improve your night vision, allowing you to perceive more subtle details on the lunar surface and in the sky around it.

Conclusion

Beyond simply providing a schedule, this guide transforms moon-gazing from a passive glance into an intentional and enriching experience. By combining practical details like viewing times and locations with the rich cultural history of full moon names and the science behind events like Super Moons and eclipses, you are now equipped to fully appreciate these celestial spectacles.

Each full moon is a recurring yet unique event, connecting us to the rhythms of nature and the traditions of our ancestors. For many, these celestial events also hold personal significance, prompting them to check their daily love horoscope to see what the stars have in store. Looking ahead, the challenge is not just to see the next full moon, but to understand its place in the grand cosmic clockwork. As you mark your calendar for the upcoming Harvest Moon, remember that the night sky offers a front-row seat to the universe's timeless beauty. The real opportunity lies in blending ancient wonder with modern knowledge to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection with the cosmos.