Introduction
Welcome to FullMoonology, your ultimate guide to the Full Moon 2023 calendar. Whether you’re an avid stargazer, a curious soul, or simply looking for an excuse to marvel at the night sky, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through the fascinating lunar events that await you in 2023. From Supermoons to Blue Moons, penumbral lunar eclipses to equinoxes and solstices, we’ll unravel the celestial wonders that will grace our night skies. So, grab your calendar and get ready to mark down the dates of these celestial spectacles!
| Date | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2023 | Full Wolf Moon | Named after wolves heard howling in hunger. |
| February 5, 2023 | Full Snow Moon | Named for the heavy snowfall in February. |
| March 7, 2023 | Full Worm Moon | Marks the emergence of earthworms from thawing earth. |
| April 6, 2023 | Full Pink Moon | Named after the pink flowers like wild ground phlox. |
| May 5, 2023 | Full Flower Moon | Named for the abundance of flowers in May. |
| June 3, 2023 | Full Strawberry Moon | Named for the ripe strawberries harvested in June. |
| July 3, 2023 | Super Buck Moon | Named for the new antlers that buck deer grow. |
| August 1, 2023 | Super Sturgeon Moon | Named for the large sturgeon fish caught in August. |
| August 30, 2023 | Super Blue Moon | A rare second full moon in a single calendar month. |
| September 29, 2023 | Super Harvest Moon | Closest full moon to the Autumnal Equinox. |
| October 28, 2023 | Full Hunter’s Moon | Named for the prime hunting season in October. |
| November 27, 2023 | Full Beaver Moon | Named for the time beavers build dams and lodges. |
| December 26, 2023 | Full Cold Moon | Named for the cold temperatures of December. |
Full Moon Calendar 2023: A Glimpse of the Celestial Show
The year 2023 promises to be a treat for lunar enthusiasts, with a total of 13 full moons. Most months will bring us one full moon, but August has a special surprise with two full moons. Let’s dive into the calendar and discover the names, dates, and unique characteristics of each full moon.
January 6, 2023: Full Wolf Moon
The year kicks off with the Full Wolf Moon, gracing the night sky on Friday, January 6, 2023. This full moon is named after the wolves that were often heard howling in hunger during the cold January nights.
February 5, 2023: Full Snow Moon
February’s full moon, known as the Full Snow Moon, will shine on Sunday, February 5, 2023. It’s named after the heavy snowfall that typically blankets the landscape during this time.
March 7, 2023: Full Worm Moon
On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, we’ll witness the Full Worm Moon. As the name suggests, it marks the time when earthworms begin to emerge as the earth thaws from winter’s grip.
April 6, 2023: Full Pink Moon
April’s full moon, the Full Pink Moon, arrives on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Contrary to its name, it doesn’t actually turn pink but is named after the pink flowers, such as wild ground phlox, that bloom during this season.
As you mark down these celestial events, you might also wonder how the full moon and other lunar phases impact us personally. To delve deeper into this captivating subject, check out our article on how the moon affects human beings.
May 5, 2023: Full Flower Moon
As spring continues to flourish, the Full Flower Moon graces our skies on Friday, May 5, 2023. This full moon is named after the abundance of flowers that bloom during May.
June 3, 2023: Full Strawberry Moon
June brings us the Full Strawberry Moon on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Named after the ripe strawberries that are harvested during this time, it’s a delightful sight.
July 3, 2023: Super Buck Moon
July’s full moon, the Super Buck Moon, is a sight to behold on Monday, July 3, 2023. It gets its name from the new antlers that buck deer grow during this period.
August 1, 2023: Super Sturgeon Moon
August presents the Super Sturgeon Moon on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. This name originates from the large sturgeon fish that are often caught during August’s abundant harvest.
As you anticipate the Super Sturgeon Moon on August 1, you might be curious about the unique significance of its name. Uncover its fascinating history and meaning in our dedicated article on what the Sturgeon Moon means.
August 30, 2023: Super Blue Moon
August has a special treat in store with the Super Blue Moon on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. This rare event involves two full moons in a single calendar month, making it a “blue moon.”
September 29, 2023: Super Harvest Moon
The Full Harvest Moon graces the night sky on Friday, September 29, 2023. It’s called the Harvest Moon because it’s the closest full moon to the Autumnal Equinox and marks a bountiful time for farmers.
While the Full Harvest Moon in September traditionally marks a bountiful time for farmers, you might be surprised to learn how deeply lunar phases influence agriculture. Discover more in our in-depth article about the untold influence of lunar phases on agriculture.
October 28, 2023: Full Hunter’s Moon
October’s full moon, the Full Hunter’s Moon, arrives on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Named after the prime hunting season, it illuminates the night for hunters.
November 27, 2023: Full Beaver Moon
Monday, November 27, 2023, brings us the Full Beaver Moon. It’s named after the time when beavers actively prepare for winter by building their dams and lodges.
December 26, 2023: Full Cold Moon
The year concludes with the Full Cold Moon on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. As temperatures drop, it’s aptly named after the chilly winter nights.
Blue Moons and Supermoons in 2023
2023 has some special lunar events in store for us, including Blue Moons and Supermoons.
- Blue Moon: In August, we’ll witness a Blue Moon, the second full moon in a calendar month. Specifically, it occurs on August 30, 2023.
- Supermoons: 2023 offers us four Supermoons, known for their larger and brighter appearance. These occur on July 3, 2023 (Super Buck Moon), August 1, 2023 (Super Sturgeon Moon), August 30, 2023 (Super Blue Moon), and September 29, 2023 (Super Harvest Moon).
Equinoxes and Solstices in 2023
In addition to full moons, 2023 brings us the changing of seasons. Here are the equinoxes and solstices to mark on your calendar:
- Vernal Equinox (Spring): March 20, 2023
- Summer Solstice: June 21, 2023
- Autumn Equinox: September 23, 2023
- Winter Solstice: December 21, 2023
While we’re focusing on the Gregorian calendar’s full moon events for 2023, it’s fascinating to note that there are various lunar calendars still in use globally. For more on this, explore our comprehensive guide on the 12 lunar calendars still in use around the world.
| Date & Time | Moon Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2023 (6:08 PM) | Wolf Moon | Said to be named for the wolf’s hungry howling during mid-winter nights. |
| February 5, 2023 (1:29 PM) | Snow Moon | The snow was often heaviest come February—and this lunation. |
| March 7, 2023 (7:40 AM) | Worm Moon | This moon marks the beginning of the spring thaw, when earthworms reappear and robins follow. |
| April 6, 2023 (12:34 AM) | Pink Moon | Named for the hue of wild ground phlox, one of the first plants to bloom come spring. |
| May 5, 2023 (1:34 PM) | Flower Moon | Dubbed for the blooms typically growing in glorious profusion in May. |
| June 3, 2023 (11:42 PM) | Strawberry Moon | Named for the fruit that’s usually ready to pick around the time of this moon. |
| July 3, 2023 (7:39 AM) | Buck Moon | This moon coincides with male deer growing new antlers. The first supermoon of 2023. |
| August 1, 2023 (2:32 PM) | Sturgeon Moon | Fishing is good during this moon—especially for sturgeon. Also a supermoon. |
| August 30, 2023 (9:36 PM) | Blue Moon | A rare second full moon in a single month. Also a supermoon, making it extra unusual. |
| September 29, 2023 (5:58 AM) | Harvest Moon | Closest full moon to the fall equinox, helpful for harvesting corn. Last supermoon of 2023. |
| October 28, 2023 (4:24 PM) | Hunter’s Moon | A crucial time for hunters to store up meat before winter. Considered a feast day in various cultures. |
| November 27, 2023 (4:16 AM) | Beaver Moon | Popular time for trapping beavers, prized for their warm fur. |
| December 26, 2023 (7:33 PM) | Cold Moon | Marks the start of the year’s coldest months. |
Conclusion
The Full Moon 2023 calendar is packed with celestial wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or simply curious about our cosmic companions, these lunar events offer a unique opportunity to connect with the night sky. So, get ready to mark your calendar and make the most of these awe-inspiring moments in the year ahead.
If you’re as captivated by lunar events as we are, you’ll love diving into the intriguing stories behind each moon’s name in our article on the fascinating world of Full Moon myths and folklore.
FAQ
1. How many full moons are there in 2023?
In 2023, there will be a total of 13 full moons. Most months will have one full moon, but August is an exception with two full moons: the Super Sturgeon Moon on August 1 and the Super Blue Moon on August 30.
2. What is a Blue Moon, and when can we expect one in 2023?
A Blue Moon refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. In 2023, a Blue Moon occurs on August 30, making it a rare and fascinating celestial event.
3. What are Supermoons, and how many will occur in 2023?
Supermoons are full moons that appear larger and brighter in the sky due to their closer proximity to Earth. In 2023, there are four Supermoons: July 3 (Super Buck Moon), August 1 (Super Sturgeon Moon), August 30 (Super Blue Moon), and September 29 (Super Harvest Moon).
4. When are the equinoxes and solstices for 2023?
The Vernal Equinox occurs on March 20, 2023, marking the start of spring. The Summer Solstice is on June 21, Autumn Equinox on September 23, and Winter Solstice on December 21.
5. Why are full moons named, and what do they signify?
Each full moon has a unique name, often derived from Native American, Colonial American, or other traditional North American nomenclature. These names are usually linked to natural phenomena or events happening during that month. For example, the Full Wolf Moon in January is named for the wolves heard howling in hunger.