NEXT FULL MOON
July 18th at CDT
"The Full Buck Moon"
July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.
THE MONTH OF JULY
Renamed for Julius Caesar in 44 BC, who was born this month; Quintilis, Latin for fifth month, was the former name (the Roman year began in March rather than January). A passel of planets highlights the sky this month. Mars and Saturn huddle close together for most of the month, low in the west in early evening. Jupiter, putting in its best showing of the year, shines brightly all night. Even elusive little Mercury puts in a brief appearance, in the dawn sky. Only Venus is missing from the festivities, lurking too close to the Sun to view. The Moon teams up with all four worlds during the month; by locating them when the Moon is near, you can easily follow the planets for the rest of the month.
1st Mercury peeks into view low in the east-northeast at first light. It looks like a moderately bright star to the lower right of the Moon.
4th Earth is at aphelion, its greatest distance from the Sun for the year.
5-6th The Moon, Regulus, Mars, and Saturn line up low in the west in early evening.
9th Jupiter is at opposition, lining up opposite the Sun in our sky. It rises at nightfall, climbs low across the south during the night, and sets at sunrise. It is brightest for the year, outshining everything in the night sky except the Moon and Venus.
9-11th Mars passes Saturn. They are low in the west at sunset. Mars is below brighter Saturn on the 9th, to the lower left on the 10th, and left on the 11th.
13th The Moon passes close to Antares, the brightest star of Scorpius. They are in the south at nightfall, with Antares to the left of the Moon. The Moon will move closer to Antares before they set in the wee hours of the 14th.
16th Jupiter is to the left of the Moon at nightfall. The Moon will move closer to the brilliant planet during the night.
