Metro Detroit skies to see buck moon this weekend

Look out in the morning sky for the buck moon this weekend.

The buck moon will illuminate the early morning sky Sunday, appearing full Saturday and Sunday.

Moon cycle

July's full moon will occur on Sunday, July 21, following June's full moon, the strawberry moon. The moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase at 95% illumination.

August's full moon – known as the sturgeon moon – will be the first of four supermoons this year.

How did the buck moon get its name?

The name buck moon comes from the antlers of male deer, or bucks, that are in full-growth mode during July, according to the Farmer's Almanac. This full moon holds a variety of names with origins in Indigenous, colonial American and European cultures. Alternate names for the July full moon include feather moulting moon to the Cree, salmon moon to the Tlingit, berry moon to the Anishinaabe and month of the ripe corn moon to the Cherokee.

Peak viewing

The buck moon will occur early Sunday morning, with its peak around 6:17 a.m.

Clear skies will ensure optimal viewing. The forecast calls for Sunday calls for periods of clouds and sunshine and a high of 84.