The July 2012 full moon falls on Tuesday, July 3, at 18:52 Universal Time. Although the full moon comes at the same instant for everyone worldwide, the clock – as always – reads differently according to time zone. In the United States, the full moon occurs on July 3 at 2:52 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 1:52 a.m. Central Daylight Time, 12:52 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time and 11:52 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
For us across the United States, the moon turns astronomically full – or stands most directly opposite the sun – during the daylight hours today. But for general reference, we can say the moon is full all night tonight for us and the rest of the world.
This July 2012 full moon presents the first full moon after the June 20 solstice. In North America, we often call this particular full moon the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon or Hay Moon. At this time of year, buck deer grow velvety antlers, thunderstorms rage and farmers struggle to put hay into their barns.
Watch the full-looking moon as it beams over the east-southeast horizon at evening dusk. Like any full moon, the moon will look large and spectacular as it fully reflects the light of the sun. But the moon’s path across the sky tonight will vary, depending on where you live worldwide.
The full moon’s trajectory across the sky will resemble that of the sun some six months from now, or in early January. For the Northern Hemisphere, the moon will follow the low arc of the winter sun, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it’ll mimic the high-flying summer sun.
Enjoy it tonight, as the July full moon mirrors the sun’s path for the opposite season, and lights up the nighttime from dusk until dawn!
- EarthSky
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