Full Moon Names and Dates
The lunar calendar for 2025 brings a series of captivating Full Moons, each with its unique name and significance:
- Wolf Moon: January 13 at 5:27 p.m. ET
- Snow Moon: February 12 at 8:53 a.m. ET
- Worm Moon: March 14 at 2:55 a.m. ET
- Pink Moon: April 12 at 8:22 p.m. ET
- Flower Moon: May 12 at 12:56 p.m. ET
- Strawberry Moon: June 11 at 3:44 a.m. ET
- Buck Moon: July 10 at 4:37 p.m. ET
- Sturgeon Moon: August 9 at 3:55 a.m. ET
- Corn Moon: September 7 at 2:09 p.m. ET
- Hunter's Moon: October 6 at 11:48 p.m. ET
- Beaver Moon: November 5 at 8:19 a.m. ET
- Cold Moon: December 4 at 6:14 p.m. ET
These names, rooted in Native American, Colonial American, and other North American traditions, reflect seasonal changes and natural phenomena. For instance, the Wolf Moon is named for the howling of wolves during midwinter nights, while the Strawberry Moon coincides with the strawberry harvesting season.
Each Full Moon illuminates the night sky, highlighting cultural traditions and seasonal changes observed through generations. The celestial display serves as a reminder of our connection to nature's rhythms and the passage of time.
Understanding Moon Phases
The Moon's phases present an intriguing celestial display as it orbits Earth. Each phase offers a unique spectacle:
- New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the Sun, invisible to us.
- Waxing Crescent: A slender sliver of light grows each night.
- First Quarter: Half the Moon is illuminated, 90 degrees from the Sun.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half the Moon's face shines brightly.
- Full Moon: A radiant circle, with Earth between the Moon and Sun.
- Waning Gibbous: The illuminated portion begins to decrease.
- Last Quarter: Only half the Moon is visible again.
- Waning Crescent: A delicate curve signaling the cycle's end.
These phases reveal the Moon's constant, rhythmic presence and its subtle impact on our perception of time and natural cycles. Each phase illustrates the harmonious balance of light and shadow defining the lunar cycle, which lasts approximately 29.5 days1.
The Moon's phases are determined by its position relative to Earth and the Sun. This alignment ensures that lunar phases occur simultaneously worldwide, though the visibility may vary due to local time zones and weather conditions2.
Special Full Moons: Super Moon and Blue Moon
Beyond regular Full Moons, Super Moons and Blue Moons captivate sky gazers with their exceptional nature.
Super Moons occur when a Full Moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee). The Moon appears approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. While the human eye can't easily discern these differences, the visual impact is striking. In 2025, October's Hunter's Moon, November's Beaver Moon, and December's Cold Moon will be Super Moons.
A Blue Moon is traditionally defined as the second Full Moon within a single calendar month. This phenomenon occurs because the average calendar month is slightly longer than the lunar cycle of 29.5 days. Despite its name, a Blue Moon doesn't appear blue. The next Blue Moon is expected in June 2027.
"These events highlight the dynamic relationship between Earth and its satellite, inspiring curiosity and awe. They connect us across cultures and generations, reminding us of our place within the universe's grand design."
Another notable lunar event is the Harvest Moon, which occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, typically in September. This Full Moon is renowned for its distinct orange tint and its historical importance to farmers, as it provided extended hours of bright moonlight for harvesting crops3.
The Moon's phases showcase the interplay between light and shadow that governs our nights. Each phase offers a moment of reflection, highlighting the blend of celestial mechanics and cultural significance. This continuous cycle connects us to a broader story spanning generations, inviting us to appreciate our place in the vast universe.
As we observe the Moon's journey through its phases, we're reminded of the intricate dance of celestial bodies and the profound impact they have on our world. From influencing tides to inspiring myths and legends, the Moon continues to be a source of wonder and scientific inquiry, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.
- NASA. Moon Phases. Scientific Visualization Studio.
- Royal Museums Greenwich. Full Moon calendar 2025.
- The Old Farmer's Almanac. Full Moon Names and Their Meanings.
