Celestial Embrace: July's Supermoon Draws Near, Full moon July 2023

Prepare yourselves for an awe-inspiring celestial performance like no other! Brace your souls for the captivating brilliance that will grace the heavens this month. The first of four supermoons in 2023 is set to illuminate our world on Monday, July 3, and it promises to be a sight of unparalleled radiance.

As darkness blankets the land, be prepared to cast your gaze towards the southeast. With bated breath, anticipate the emergence of this lunar wonder, for its luminosity will surpass all full moon events that have graced our year thus far. A spectacle of extraordinary proportions awaits us, painting the night sky with an ethereal glow.

Dr. Shannon Schmoll, the esteemed director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, explains the enchantment of a supermoon. Our beloved satellite, as it traces its elliptical orbit around Earth, journeys closer and farther at different points in its celestial dance. When the moon aligns itself with our planet at its nearest point during its full moon phase, an enchanting transformation occurs. It appears larger, casting a spell of magnificence upon the fortunate souls who bear witness to its resplendence.

While the naked eye may struggle to discern the subtle size difference between a supermoon and a typical full moon, rest assured that this July's lunar extravaganza will be nothing short of extraordinary. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the moon will shimmer with unrivaled luminosity, positioned a mere 224,895.4 miles (361,934 kilometers) away from Earth. Such proximity allows us to witness its majestic glory in all its resplendent grandeur.

But there is more to this celestial marvel than meets the eye. This month's supermoon carries a special name, one that evokes a connection to the natural world. Behold the "buck moon," a title bestowed upon it in reverence to the cycle of life. July marks the season when male deer adorn their heads with majestic antlers, a wondrous display of nature's strength and renewal. As we bask in the light of this celestial wonder, let us be reminded of the beauty and harmony that thrives within the natural order.

Echoing the spirit of Native American peoples, who celebrated the land's abundance and the cycles of nature, this lunar spectacle holds other names of significance. From the "hot moon," symbolizing the scorching summer days, to the "raspberry moon" and "ripe corn moon," signifying the bountiful harvests that await, these names reflect a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of our world.

So, my fellow stargazers, let us prepare ourselves for an extraordinary encounter with the heavens. Let us embrace the mystical allure of July's supermoon, as it radiates its celestial majesty upon our humble abode. Cast your gaze skyward, for a moment of transcendence awaits—a celestial masterpiece, imbued with wonder, ready to captivate our hearts and minds.

While most years have 12 full moons, 2023 will have 13 of these lunar events. There will be two supermoons in August, including a blue moon, which will be the closest moon to Earth this year, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The fourth and final supermoon in 2023 will rise on September 29.

Here are the full moons remaining in 2023, according to the Farmer’s Almanac:

● August 1: Sturgeon moon

● August 30: Blue moon

● September 29: Harvest moon

● October 28: Hunter’s moon

● November 27: Beaver moon

● December 26: Cold moon

What to expect during the 2024 total solar eclipse

People across North, Central and South America will be able to see an annular solar eclipse on October 14. During the solar eclipse, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth at or near its farthest point from Earth. The moon will appear smaller than the sun and encircled by a glowing halo. To avoid damage to the eyes, viewers should wear eclipse glasses. A partial lunar eclipse will also take place on October 28. Only part of the moon will pass into shadow as the sun, Earth and moon will not completely align. This partial eclipse will be viewable in Europe, Asia, Australia, parts of North America and much of South Africa.

Each of the nine remaining meteor showers expected to peak this year will be most visible from late evening until dawn in areas without light pollution. Here are the events’ peak dates:

● Southern Delta Aquariids: July 30-31

● Alpha Capricornids: July 30-31

● Perseids: August 12-13

● Orionids: October 20-21

● Southern Taurids: November 4-5

● Northern Taurids: November 11-12

● Leonids: November 17-18

● Geminids: December 13-14

● Ursids: December 21-22 For More Information