Get your stargazing gear ready because it will be a celestial smorgasbord of full moons in 2024! We're talking 12 luminous orbs gracing the night sky, including four supermoons, a dazzling blue moon, and even a couple of lunar eclipses to spice things up. These are a timeless spectacle that never gets old, no matter how many times you've seen them.
But what makes the 2024 lunar parade extra special? Let's dive in:
Full Moon Folklore and Fancy Names
Each full moon in a year's lineup has a unique name reflecting its agricultural roots. From the howling wolves of January's Wolf Moon to the sugaring season celebration of March's Worm Moon, these charming nicknames offer a glimpse into our ancestors' relationship with the moon and its influence on their lives.
Here are all the full moons in 2024:
1. Wolf Moon (January 25, 17:54 GMT)
The year starts with the luminous Wolf Moon, rising on January 25th.
As legend has it, this moon's name originates from the howling of wolves during the harsh winter months. So, bundle up, step outside, and let the silvery glow of the Wolf Moon guide you into the new year.
2. Snow Moon (February 24, 12:30 GMT)
Next up, is the aptly named Snow Moon, illuminating the night sky on February 24th. This full moon coincides with the peak of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, often adorned with a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Embrace the crisp winter air and let the ethereal glow of the Snow Moon paint the landscape in shades of silver and white.
On my YouTube channel, I published a timelapse of a Snow Moon moonset.
3. Worm Moon (March 25, 07:00 GMT)
Spring awakens with the arrival of the Worm Moon on March 25th. This moon's moniker signifies the emergence of earthworms from the thawing soil, marking the beginning of a new season. Witness the gradual lengthening of days and celebrate the promise of warmer times under the gentle luminescence of the Worm Moon.
4. Pink Moon (April 23, 23:48 GMT)
April showers bring the enchanting Pink Moon on April 23rd. Despite its name, the Pink Moon doesn't actually change colour. Instead, it derives its moniker from the pinkish hue of wild ground phlox, a flower that blooms in abundance during this time. A warm welcome to the vibrant colours of spring.
5. Flower Moon (May 23, 13:53 GMT)
As nature bursts into full bloom, the Flower Moon paints the night sky with its ethereal glow on May 23rd. This moon's name celebrates the abundance of wildflowers adorning meadows and woodlands during this joyous season.
6. Strawberry Moon (June 21, 01:07 GMT)
Summer arrives with the arrival of the Strawberry Moon on June 21st (solstice). This moon's name coincides with North America's peak strawberry harvesting season.
7. Buck Moon (July 21, 10:17 GMT)
As male deer shed their antlers, the Buck Moon ascends the night sky on July 21st. This full moon also marks the time for haymaking and the gathering of other summer crops.
8. Sturgeon Moon (August 19, 18:25 GMT)
Get ready for a double celestial treat in August! The Sturgeon Moon, named after the abundance of these fish in the Great Lakes during this time, rises on August 19th. This full moon is also a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual. And to top it all off, it's a blue moon, the third of four full moons in a single season! So, mark your calendars and prepare to be awestruck by the combined majesty of the #Supersturgeonbluemoon!
9. Harvest Moon (September 18, 02:34 GMT)
As autumn paints the leaves in vibrant hues, the Harvest Moon bathes the night sky in its golden glow on September 18th. This supermoon, coinciding with the peak of the harvest season, illuminates farmers' fields and offers a bounty of celestial light for gathering crops.
10. Hunter's Moon (October 17, 11:26 GMT)
October chills arrive with the Hunter's Moon, rising on October 17th. This full moon's name reflects the ideal time for hunters to stock up for the long winter ahead. Remember, this full moon is another supermoon, so prepare for an extra-large spectacle!
11. Beaver Moon (November 15, 21:28 GMT)
As beavers prepare for winter by gathering supplies, the Beaver Moon illuminates the night sky on November 15th. This full moon marks the shortening days and the gradual descent into winter. Don't forget, this is another supermoon (the last for 2024), adding to the celestial magic of the night!
12. Cold Moon (December 15, 09:01 GMT)
The year culminates with the aptly named Cold Moon, rising on December 15th. This full moon signifies the peak of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, often coinciding with the darkest nights of the year. Bundle up under a warm blanket, sip on a hot beverage, and let the ethereal glow of the Cold Moon guide you towards the promise of a new year.
If you wish to join me in photographing the full moon in all its splendour, I regularly host a Full Moon Photography event in London.
More info and bookings are available on the dedicated page.
More Lunar events
Supersized Spectacles
2024 will boast four supermoons! These lunar occurrences happen when the moon's monthly closest approach to Earth (called perigee) coincides with its full phase. So brace yourselves for an extra-large and luminous moon from August to November!
A Rare Blue Beauty
August also treats us to a blue moon. Now, before you picture a cerulean orb, let's clarify. A blue moon doesn't actually change colour. It refers to the third full moon in a season with four or sometimes a second full moon in the same calendar month. So it is a relatively rare occurrence (it also happened last year). So mark your calendars for this celestial double whammy!
Eclipses for the Sky-Savvy
And if you're a true astronomy aficionado, among the full moons in 2024, there are two lunar eclipses in store for you. March and September bring a penumbral and a partial eclipse, respectively. Offering a chance to witness the subtle interplay of light and shadow on the moon's surface. Unfortunately, they are not a total eclipse, but still worth watching.
The next total eclipse visible from the UK (weather permitting) will be on September 7th, 2025.
Full Moons in 2024: Mark Your Calendars!
To help you plan your moonlit adventures, here's a recap of all the full moon dates and times for 2024 (Greenwich Meridian Time, or UK time):
- Wolf Moon: January 25th, 17:54
- Snow Moon: February 24th, 12:30
- Worm Moon: March 25th, 7:00 (with a penumbral eclipse, barely visible in the UK)
- Pink Moon: April 23rd, 23:48
- Flower Moon: May 23rd, 13:53
- Strawberry Moon: June 21st, 1:07
- Buck Moon: July 21st, 10:17
- Sturgeon Moon: August 19th, 18:25 (supermoon AND blue moon)
- Harvest Moon: September 18th, 2:34 (supermoon AND partial eclipse at 3:44)
- Hunter's Moon: October 17th, 11:26 (supermoon)
- Beaver Moon: November 15th, 21:28 (supermoon)
- Cold Moon: December 15th, 9:01
I will certainly be around photographing all the full moons. And when in London, you can join me on the Full Moon Photography event that I host.
Beyond the Moons: A Peek into Lunar Phases
So, the full moons are the rockstars, but what about the rest of the lunar show? To complete your moon-ducation, let's take a quick peek at the moon's fascinating phases:
- New Moon: The cycle begins when the moon is hidden between the Earth and the sun, invisible to our eyes. This phase also sets the stage for solar eclipses.
- Waxing Crescent: As the moon moves away from the sun, we see a sliver of its illuminated side, growing larger each day.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon's face is bathed in sunlight, creating a perfect right angle.
- Waxing Gibbous: The moon continues to grow, becoming more than half illuminated but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The grand finale! The moon shines brightly, its entire Earth-facing side lit up by the sun.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon starts to shrink, transitioning from full to half illuminated.
- Last Quarter: Another right angle phase, but this time with the opposite half of the moon lit up.
- Waning Crescent: The moon's visible surface gets smaller and smaller until we reach…
- New Moon: And the cycle begins anew!
The quarters are actually the best phases to photograph the moon because the sunlight from the side brings up all the 3D textures of the terrain. But of course, we all love the perfect circle of a full moon.
Now, speaking of photographing the moon…
Tips And Tricks to Photograph the Full Moons in 2024
Together with fellow astrophotographers (including last year's British Landscape Photographer of the Year), I once hosted a Clubhouse talk on how to photograph the supermoon. So that's a good start if you're looking for tips. But if you want to maximise your experience, spice it up or just have lots of fun, you can also consider the below (and/or join me)…
Plan Your Perfect Moonlit Rendez-vous
- Location, location, location: Escape light pollution! Head to open spaces with minimal artificial light for optimal moon viewing. Parks, beaches, or even your own backyard (if it's sufficiently dark) can be the perfect spot. If you're like me and crave for the perfect alignment of the moon with a point of interest, check the PhotoPills paid app (tutorial soon on these pages).
- Weather check: Don't let Mother Nature dampen your lunar plans! Check the forecast beforehand and have a backup location in mind in case of clouds or rain.
- Pack for the occasion: A comfy blanket or camp chair, warm clothes (nights can get chilly!), bug spray, and of course, a sense of wonder are essential. Don't forget a red light headlamp – it preserves your night vision without blinding your fellow sky-watchers.
Enhance Your Lunar Experience
- Go beyond naked-eye gazing: Binoculars or a telescope can reveal the moon's craters, mountains, and valleys in stunning detail. Apps like Star Walk 2 can help you identify lunar features and constellations.
- Embrace the moonlight: Ditch the phone torch and let the moon guide your steps. It's a surprisingly pleasant experience!
- Get creative: Capture the moon's beauty through Photography, of course, but also sketching, or even poetry. Share your creations with fellow moon-enthusiasts and inspire others to look up!
Make it a Social Affair
- Gather your stargazing squad: Share the experience with friends and family. Organize a moonlit picnic, bonfire gathering, or even a themed costume party – think lunar goddess or space explorer!
- Connect with fellow sky-watchers: Join online astronomy communities or attend local stargazing events. Sharing your moonlit moments with others adds a whole new dimension to the experience.
- Spread the moon-love: Educate others about the moon's phases, folklore, and scientific significance. Inspire a new generation of lunar enthusiasts!
Remember, the moon is more than just a celestial body; it's a source of wonder, inspiration, and connection. So step outside, look up, and embrace the moon's magic!
And don't forget to check back soon for more lunar-themed tips and tricks! I will keep exploring everything from moon myths and legends behind the beloved supermoons and eclipses.
Stay tuned for a moon-tastic journey!
So, there you have it! 2024 promises a year of moonlit magic, with supermoons, blue moons, and eclipses sprinkled throughout. With this guide, you won't miss any of it!
See you out stargazing!
(AI disclosure: parts of this article were drafted with the help of Bard AI from Google – Everything has been written, edited and fact-checked by a human)
