July’s 'Buck supermoon' on Wednesday will be 2022's biggest full moon

supermoon

July supermoon will be biggest and brightest of 2022 when it arrives at its closest point to Earth this year on Wednesday

July’s full moon will be 2022′s largest and brightest, reaching its closest point to Earth of the year when it rises Wednesday night.

The full moon will be a “supermoon,” appearing slightly larger and brighter than normal given its proximity to Earth. At its closest point, it will be merely 222,089 miles away.

Though the moon will reach its full peak Wednesday afternoon, around 2:37 p.m. on the East Coast, it will appear full when it rises that night. For those unable to observe on Wednesday, the moon will also be 98% full both Tuesday and Thursday night, according to Astronomy.com.

Spotting the supermoon will be a matter of luck. Though clouds are expected Tuesday and Thursday, Wednesday night could be clear, according to the National Weather Service.

Observers may want to find an open space away from cities and lights to capture the moon’s full glory, though will still shine brightly in a population center.

For Massachusetts residents, look to the southeast around 9 p.m. Wednesday to see the moon crest the horizon. It will stay up until nearly 5 a.m.

Supermoons have been a common sight in recent months, appearing in both May and June. May’s supermoon also coincided with a total lunar eclipse, the first on the East Coast in more than three years.

Astronomer Richard Nolle coined the term “supermoon” in 1979 to refer to full or new moons within 90% of their perigee, or their closest approach to Earth. Since perigees differ with each orbit, disagreements can sometimes arise as to whether a moon qualifies as a supermoon. But there is wide consensus this year that at least June and July’s moons both constitute supermoons, according to NASA.

According to astronomer Fred Espenak, 2022 will feature one last supermoon in August before an 11-month wait for the next appearance.

The supermoon that rises Wednesday will also go by another name: the Buck Moon. Full moons each month feature an additional nickname that references the time of year in which they appear. May’s “Flower Moon” designation came during the month of blooming. June’s full moon is deemed the “Strawberry Moon,” referring to the short period during which strawberries could be harvested in the Northeast.

The antlers of male deers are in full growth this time of year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Hence, the name Buck Moon.