A full moon calendar is a calendar that provides information about the dates and times when full moons occur throughout the year. It typically includes the names or designations for each full moon based on traditional or cultural naming conventions. The calendar will also specify the day, date, and time (usually in UTC or local time) when the full moon is at its fullest and brightest.
Full moon calendars are useful for those interested in tracking the moon's phases, including astronomers, astrologers, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals who follow cultural or religious practices related to lunar phases. Many full moon calendars also include additional information about the moon's orbit, such as perigee (closest point to Earth) and apogee (farthest point from Earth) distances, and may include artistic or visual representations of the moon's appearance during each full moon.
These calendars can be available in various formats, including online websites, printed wall calendars, mobile apps, and downloadable PDFs. They provide a convenient way to plan events, ceremonies, rituals, or other activities based on the lunar cycle.
Full Moon Calendar of the Year 2023
| Full Moon Date | Full Moon Time | Full Moon Name |
|---|---|---|
| 6 January 2023 | 11.07 p.m | Wolf Moon |
| 5 February 2023 | 6.28 p.m | Snow Moon |
| 7 March 2023 | 12.40 p.m | Worm Moon |
| 6 April 2023 | 5.34 a.m | Pink Moon |
| 5 May 2023 | 6.34 p.m | Flower Moon |
| 4 June 2023 | 4.41 a.m | Strawberry Moon |
| 3 July 2023 | 12.38 p.m | Buck Moon |
| 1 August 2023 | 7.31 p.m | Sturgeon Moon (supermoon) |
| 31 August 2023 | 2.35 a.m | Blue Moon (supermoon) |
| 29 September 2023 | 10.57 a.m | Corn/Harvest Moon |
| 28 October 2023 | 9.24 p.m | Hunter's Moon |
| 27 November 2023 | 9.16 a.m | Beaver Moon |
| 27 December 2023 | 12.33 a.m | Cold Moon |
All times show the time of the full Moon at the Royal Observatory's home in London, either in GMT or BST depending on the time of year.
What is a Full Moon
A full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the moon is located directly opposite the sun from the perspective of Earth. This alignment results in the entire illuminated hemisphere of the moon being visible from Earth, making it appear as a complete circle of light.
During a full moon, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned in a straight line, with the Earth positioned in between the sun and the moon. The sun's rays illuminate the entire visible surface of the moon, giving it a bright and round appearance. Full moons typically occur approximately once a month, roughly every 29.5 days, as the moon orbits around the Earth.
The full moon is often associated with various cultural, religious, and mythological beliefs, and it has been the subject of fascination and observation throughout human history. It's also known for its potential influence on tides and certain natural phenomena, although the scientific understanding of these effects has clarified that they are primarily due to the gravitational pull of the moon rather than its phase.