Buck Moon 2024: UAE skies to be lit up by a full moon on Sunday

The event is set to take place a day after the 55th anniversary of the first Apollo lunar landing

A full moon will appear in the skies on July 21. AFP

The UAE skies will be illuminated by the 'Buck' full moon for three days from Sunday.

It is expected to be a spectacular sight for stargazers and will take place a day after International Moon Day, which commemorates the Apollo Moon landing in 1969.

The Dubai Astronomy Group said that it will become visible in the Emirates at about 7.20pm.

“The optimal time for viewing will be shortly after moonrise when it is closest to the horizon, creating a stunning visual effect,” Khadijah Ahmad, the group's operations manager, told The National.

The event is also known as Thunder Moon, which originates from the Native American tradition, specifically the Algonquin tribes.

They named this full moon after the frequent thunderstorms that occur during this time of year, particularly in the north-east of the US.

July's full moon is also known by other names, such as the Buck Moon, Hay Moon and Wort Moon, reflecting various aspects of nature and agricultural cycles observed by different cultures.

The Maine Farmers' Almanac began publishing these names for full moons in the 1930s and they are now widely used.

“Early summer is normally when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur,” Nasa said, referring to the naming of the 'Buck Moon'.

“Europeans called this the Hay Moon for the haymaking in early summer, and sometimes the Mead Moon.

“Mead is created by fermenting honey mixed with water, sometimes adding fruits, spices, grains or hops.”

The Dubai Astronomy Group said it is hosting a free-of-charge viewing event on Saturday from 7pm to 10pm at the Ajman Creative Centre in Al Jurf.

The Buck Moon will peak on Sunday.

The event is also being held to celebrate International Moon Day with the Ministry of Culture.

“Attendees will enjoy a lecture about the significance of Moon Day, the moon landing and supermoons. They will also have the opportunity to observe the moon using telescopes,” said Ms Ahmad.

The next cosmic spectacle is the Perseids meteor shower, set to peak on August 12 and 13.

Perseids are one of the best meteor showers of the year, which leave light and colour behind them as they streak across Earth's atmosphere.

The Sturgeon Moon will appear in the skies on August 19 and will be the first supermoon to grace the skies in the UAE this year.

A supermoon is when the Moon makes its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger than usual.

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