Look: Buck Moon spotted in UAE skies, marking first full moon of summer

The much-anticipated Buck Moon appeared over Sharjah on July 10, marking the first full moon of summer, according to the Dubai Astronomy Group. Occurring annually in July, the Buck Moon is named after Native American traditions.

Photo: Muhammad Sajjad

UAE residents keen to spot the moon were urged look toward the eastern horizon, shortly after moonrise at 7.10pm on July 10, and around midnight, according to Khadija Al Hariri, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).

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Photo: Muhammad Sajjad

Photo: Muhammad Sajjad

The moon may appear larger or more golden at these times, as it is low on the horizon, and appears closer to us from our view point. The name, Buck moon, refers to the season in which male deer (bucks) begin developing their antlers.

Photo: Muhammad Sajjad

Although the names are not “scientific, they’re widely used today to make astronomy more relatable and engaging for the public worldwide,” according to Khadija Al Hariri, Operations Manager at Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).

In the Northern Hemisphere, the moon will stay low on the horizon. It's light will pass through more of the Earth's atmosphere, giving it a warm orange or reddish glow. It might also appear larger than usual, but that's just a visual trick known as the moon illusion, according a post on Dubai Astronomy's Instagram.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the view is different. The moon rises higher in the sky. The moon reaches its peak brightness on July 10, at 20:37 GMT. If you miss it at that exact time, you can still see it the day before or after, no telescope needed.

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