2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases (2024)

2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases (1)

The Full Moon, photographed in July 2016 from Melbourne, Florida. Credit: Michael Seeley/Flickr.

The phenomenon of a Full Moon arises when our planet, Earth, is precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment ensures the entire side of the Moon that faces us gleams under sunlight. Thanks to the Moon’s orbit around Earth, the angle of sunlight hitting the lunar surface and being reflected back to our planet changes. That creates different lunar phases.

The next Full Moon in 2024 is at 6:17 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, and is called the Buck Moon.

We’ll update this article multiple times each week with the latest moonrise, moonset, Full Moon schedule, and some of what you can see in the sky each week.

Here’s the complete list of Full Moons this year and their traditional names.

2024 Full Moon schedule and names of each

(all times Eastern)

  • Jan. 25 — 12:54 p.m. — Wolf Moon
  • Feb. 24 —7:30 a.m. — Snow Moon
  • March 25 — 3 a.m. — Worm Moon
  • April 23 — 7:49 p.m. — Pink Moon
  • May 23 — 9:53 a.m. — Flower Moon
  • Friday, June 21 — 9:08 p.m. — Strawberry Moon
  • Sunday, July 21 — 6:17 a.m. — Buck Moon
  • Monday, Aug. 19 — 2:26 p.m. — Sturgeon Moon
  • Tuesday, Sept. 17 — 10:34 p.m. — Corn Moon
  • Thursday, Oct. 17 — 7:26 a.m. — Hunter’s Moon
  • Friday, Nov. 15 — 4:28 p.m. — Beaver Moon
  • Sunday, Dec. 15 — 4:02 a.m. —Cold Moon

The phases of the Moon in July 2024

The images below show the day-by-day phases of the Moon In July. The Full Moon this month is on Sunday, July 21.

2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases (2)

The moonrise and moonset schedule this week

The following is adapted from Alison Klesman’s The Sky This Week article, which you can find here.

*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.

Monday, July 15

Sunrise:5:45 A.M.
Sunset:8:27 P.M.
Moonrise:3:18 P.M.
Moonset:12:46 A.M.
Moon Phase:Waxing gibbous (67%)

Tuesday, July 16
By the time the Sun sets, the waxing gibbous Moon is high in the south, approaching the pincers of Scorpius the Scorpion. Tomorrow, our satellite will pass close to the arachnid’s heart, but tonight Luna sits to the right of the red giant star.

Home in on the lunar northwest with your telescope to catch sunrise over the western rim of the Sea of Rains (Mare Imbrium). Use the map above to locate the small crater Delisle, which spans some 16 miles (25 km) and sits north of the slightly smaller crater Diophantus and northeast of the 19-mile-long (30 km) mountain ridge Mons Delisle.

Now, look just northwest of these craters. Do you see a shape that looks like a triangular rack of pool balls, just waiting for the break? This structure is in actuality a series of peaks left over after the huge impact that created Mare Imbrium; once lava welled up from below, the mountaintops were all that remained visible.

RELATED:20 things to see on the Moon

Nearby, north of our pool balls, stands Mons Gruithuisen Gamma, a large lunar dome along Mare Imbrium’s edge. At this lunar phase, the region around the dome often reminds observers of an upturned bathtub or sink basin — what do you think?

Sunrise:5:45 A.M.
Sunset:8:27 P.M.
Moonrise:4:24 P.M.
Moonset:1:13 A.M.
Moon Phase:Waxing gibbous (76%)

Wednesday, July 17

Sunrise:5:46 A.M.
Sunset:8:26 P.M.
Moonrise:5:31 P.M.
Moonset:1:46 A.M.
Moon Phase:Waxing gibbous (84%)

Thursday, July 18

Sunrise:5:47 A.M.
Sunset:8:25 P.M.
Moonrise:6:37 P.M.
Moonset:2:27 A.M.
Moon Phase:Waxing gibbous (91%)

Friday, July 19

Sunrise:5:48 A.M.
Sunset:8:25 P.M.
Moonrise:7:37 P.M.
Moonset:
3:21 A.M.
Moon Phase:
Waxing gibbous (96%)

The phases of the Moon

The phases of the Moon are: New Moon, waxing crescent, First Quarter, waxing gibbous, Full Moon, waning gibbous, Last Quarter, and waning crescent. A cycle starting from one Full Moon to its next counterpart, termed the synodic month or lunar month, lasts about 29.5 days.

Though a Full Moon only occurs during the exact moment when Earth, Moon, and Sun form a perfect alignment, to our eyes, the Moon seems Full for around three days.

Different names for different types of Full Moon

There are a wide variety of specialized names used to identify distinct types or timings of Full Moons. These names primarily trace back to a blend of cultural, agricultural, and natural observations about the Moon, aimed at allowing humans to not only predict seasonal changes, but also track the passage of time.

For instance, almost every month’s Full Moon boasts a name sourced from Native American, Colonial American, or other North American traditions, with their titles mirroring seasonal shifts and nature’s events.

2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases (3)

Wolf Moon (January): Inspired by the cries of hungry wolves.

Snow Moon (February): A nod to the month’s often heavy snowfall.

Worm Moon (March): Named after the earthworms that signal thawing grounds.

Pink Moon (April): In honor of the blossoming pink wildflowers.

Flower Moon (May): Celebrating the bloom of flowers.

Strawberry Moon (June): Marks the prime strawberry harvest season.

Buck Moon (July): Recognizing the new antlers on bucks.

Sturgeon Moon (August): Named after the abundant sturgeon fish.

Corn Moon (September): Signifying the corn harvesting period.

Hunter’s Moon (October): Commemorating the hunting season preceding winter.

Beaver Moon (November): Reflects the time when beavers are busy building their winter dams.

Cold Moon (December): Evocative of winter’s chill.

In addition, there are a few additional names for Full Moons that commonly make their way into public conversations and news.

Super Moon: This term is reserved for a Full Moon that aligns with the lunar perigee, which is the Moon’s nearest point to Earth in its orbit. This proximity renders the Full Moon unusually large and luminous. For a Full Moon to earn the Super Moon tag, it should be within approximately 90 percent of its closest distance to Earth.

Blue Moon: A Blue Moon is the second Full Moon in a month that experiences two Full Moons. This phenomenon graces our skies roughly every 2.7 years. Though the term suggests a color, Blue Moons aren’t truly blue. Very occasionally, atmospheric conditions such as recent volcanic eruptions might lend the Moon a slightly blueish tint, but this hue isn’t tied to the term.

Harvest Moon: Occurring closest to the autumnal equinox, typically in September, the Harvest Moon is often renowned for a distinct orange tint it might display. This Full Moon rises close to sunset and sets near sunrise, providing extended hours of bright moonlight. Historically, this was invaluable to farmers gathering their produce.

Common questions about Full Moons

What is the difference between a Full Moon and a New Moon? A Full Moon is witnessed when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, making the entire Moon’s face visible. Conversely, during a New Moon, the Moon lies between Earth and the Sun, shrouding its Earth-facing side in darkness.

How does the Full Moon influence tides? The Moon’s gravitational tug causes Earth’s waters to bulge, birthing tides. During both Full and New Moons, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in alignment, generating “spring tides.” These tides can swing exceptionally high or low due to the combined gravitational influences of the Sun and Moon.

Here are the dates for all the lunar phases in 2024:

New First Quarter Full Last Quarter
Jan. 3
Jan. 11 Jan. 17 Jan. 25 Feb. 2
Feb. 9 Feb. 16 Feb. 24 March 3
March 10 March 17 March 25 April 1
April 8 April 15 April 23 May 1
May 7 May 15 May 23 May 30
June 6 June 14 June 21 June 28
July 5 July 13 July 21 July 27
Aug. 4 Aug. 12 Aug. 19 Aug 26
Sept. 2 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 24
Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24
Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 22
Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22
Dec. 30
2024 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases (2024)

FAQs

What times of the day would you expect to see a full moon? ›

Full Moon Only Visible at Night

So, by definition, a Full Moon can usually only be seen during the night. If you have ever spotted a Full Moon just after sunrise or just before sunset, it is very likely that you saw it at least one day before or after the actual Full Moon phase.

How long does it take to see a full cycle of moon phases? ›

Moon fact: The Moon's phases repeat every 29.5 days, but it's orbit around the Earth only takes 27. Why? In that time, as our Moon moves around Earth, the Earth also moves around the Sun.

What is the most powerful full moon in 2024? ›

The new supermoon of March 10, 2024, will be the closest new supermoon for 2024. And the new supermoon of April 8, 2024, will be the moon that blocks out the sun causing a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

How many supermoons are there in 2024? ›

According to Fred Espanak, eclipse expert and retired NASA astrophysicist, there will be four supermoons in 2024, in August, September, October and November. Espanak's definition of a supermoon as a full moon within 90% of its closest approach to Earth gives us four to view this year.

What is the significance of the full moon in April 2024? ›

Some astrologers believe that full moons can help amplify intentions and desires and can be a powerful time for manifestation and transformation. The full moon April 2024 pink moon is believed to represent a time of heightened energy and spiritual power.

How many times a year do you think we see a full moon? ›

The Moon completes 12 full cycles of its phases in about 354 days – which is 11 days short of a calendar year. Every two and a half years or so the difference adds up to an extra, 13th full moon occurring during the year and this relatively rare occurrence is sometimes referred to as a 'blue moon'.

When can we see the full moon answer? ›

The full moon occurs when the Earth is in between the moon and the sun. From our perspective on Earth, we see all of the "day" side of the moon, or the side of the moon that is facing the Earth, because the moon is positioned opposite to the sun.

How long do you have to wait to see a full moon? ›

The phases of the Moon are: New Moon, waxing crescent, First Quarter, waxing gibbous, Full Moon, waning gibbous, Last Quarter, and waning crescent. A cycle starting from one Full Moon to its next counterpart, termed the synodic month or lunar month, lasts about 29.5 days.

How often do you see full moon phase in a month? ›

Why do we see a full moon only once a month? Because the moon is full only when it is opposite the sun in our sky. The moon moves around the Earth (relative to the Sun) once a month and it is only when we are directly between the Sun and the Moon that we can see the entire half of the moon that is lit by the Sun.

How many days does it take to see a full moon again? ›

However, it takes our Moon about 29.5 days to complete one cycle of phases (from new Moon to new Moon). This is called the synodic month. The difference between the sidereal and synodic months occurs because as our Moon moves around Earth, the Earth also moves around our Sun.

How long do moon phases last? ›

Each of the four intermediate phases lasts approximately seven days (7.38 days on average), but varies ±11.25% due to lunar apogee and perigee. The number of days counted from the time of the new moon is the Moon's "age". Each complete cycle of phases is called a "lunation".

Why is the moon so big in 2024? ›

Supermoons occur at perigee: the point in the Moon's orbit where it's closest to Earth. A perigee full Moon appears a little brighter and larger than an average full Moon, and is known by some as a 'supermoon'.

Will there be a blood moon in 2024? ›

The next lunar eclipse will happen on Sept. 18, 2024, and it will be a partial lunar eclipse. Just under 10% of the moon will be eclipsed, so most people won't even notice this one. The more impressive blood moon total lunar eclipse will happen on March 14, 2025.

Why is the moon pink in 2024? ›

Following this almanac's trend, the April full Moon became the Pink Moon because the tribes of the northeastern United States called it that. Their decision was inspired by the wildflower herb moss pink/ creeping phlox/ moss phlox/ mountain phlox - an eastern USA native that is one of the earliest to bloom in spring.

Are there always 13 full moons in a year? ›

However, the phases of the Moon actually take 29.5 days to complete, meaning 354 days total for 12 full cycles. This falls some way short of the 365/366 days in a calendar year: therefore, roughly every two and a half years a 13th full moon is seen.

Is there a black moon in 2024? ›

The last Black Moon, by the seasonal definition of the term, occurred on May 19, 2023. The next black moon will occur on Dec. 30, 2024, and will be the second new moon in a calendar month. Top telescope pick!

Are there any Blue Moons in 2024? ›

When is the next Blue Moon? The next Blue Moon will occur on Aug. 19, 2024, at 2:26 p.m. ET (1826 GMT). There are two types of Blue Moons but unfortunately, neither has anything to do with color.

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