Buck Moon Glows: Wildfire Smoke Paints Skies Red

This week, July's buck moon will be visible, reaching its peak illumination on Wednesday morning. Sky-gazers across the Northern Hemisphere will observe it low in the sky, while those in the Southern Hemisphere will see it higher. The moon's trajectory will mirror the sun's path from January.

The name 'buck moon' originates from the timing of male deer antler growth. However, various Indigenous groups have distinct names; for instance, the Dakota call it the chokecherry moon. Observers in the Northeast and Upper Midwest might witness a reddish or orange tint due to atmospheric pollution from Canadian wildfires.

This smoke scatters sunlight, affecting the moon's appearance similarly to how it dims daytime brightness. Experts emphasize that viewing the full moon connects us to space, especially in an era of increased space exploration. This event follows the anniversary of the first human moon landing.