Exploring the Celestial Delights: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2023 Full Moon Calendar in Canada

2023 Full Moon Calendar: Dates, Times, Types, and Names

The Enchanting Power of Full Moons

Full moons have long captivated the hearts and minds of humans throughout history. These monthly celestial events have inspired countless myths, stories, traditions, and even agricultural practices. In this article, we will explore the different types of full moons, their meanings, and delve into some commonly asked questions about this mesmerizing lunar phase.

Upcoming Full Moon in October 2023

The next full moon is scheduled to begin at 4:24 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, October 28th. According to NASA, this full moon will also coincide with a partial lunar eclipse visible from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The moon will appear full for approximately three days, making it a full moon weekend.

2023 Full Moon Schedule

The following is a complete list of full moons in 2023, along with their traditional names:

• January 6 — Wolf Moon
• February 5 — Snow Moon
• March 7 — Worm Moon
• April 6 — Pink Moon
• May 5 — Flower Moon
• June 3 — Strawberry Moon
• August 1 — Sturgeon Moon
• August 30 — Sturgeon Moon
• September 29 — Corn Moon
• October 28 — Hunter’s Moon
• November 27 — Beaver Moon
• December 26 — Cold Moon

Understanding the Occurrence of Full Moons

Full moons occur when the Earth is precisely positioned between the Sun and the Moon, resulting in the entire side of the Moon facing us to be illuminated by sunlight. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth causes the angle of sunlight hitting its surface to change, giving rise to different lunar phases. This cycle, known as the synodic month or lunar month, lasts approximately 29.5 days. Although a full moon only occurs at a specific moment when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align perfectly, it appears full to our eyes for about three days.

Discovering the Names of Full Moons

There is a rich tapestry of names associated with different types of full moons, many of which have cultural, agricultural, or natural origins. Native American, Colonial American, and other North American traditions often provide the inspiration for these names, reflecting seasonal changes and nature’s events. Here are some of the traditional names and their respective months:

• January – Wolf Moon: Named after the cries of hungry wolves.
• February – Snow Moon: Honoring the month’s heavy snowfall.
• March – Worm Moon: Inspired by the arrival of earthworms signaling the thawing of the ground.
• April – Pink Moon: In celebration of the blossoming pink wildflowers.
• May – Flower Moon: Commemorating the vibrant bloom of flowers.
• June – Strawberry Moon: Marking the prime season for strawberry harvesting.
• August – Sturgeon Moon: Recognizing the abundance of sturgeon fish.
• September – Corn Moon: Signifying the period of corn harvesting.
• October – Hunter’s Moon: Commemorating the hunting season preceding winter.
• November – Beaver Moon: Reflecting the time when beavers are busy building their winter dams.
• December – Cold Moon: Evocative of winter’s chill.

In addition to these traditional names, there are a few other terms associated with full moons that frequently enter public discourse:

• Supermoon: This term is reserved for a full moon that coincides with the lunar perigee, which is the moon’s closest point to Earth. A supermoon appears larger and brighter than usual. To qualify as a supermoon, the full moon should be within approximately 90 percent of its closest distance to Earth.
• Blue Moon: A blue moon is the second full moon in a month that experiences two full moons. This occurrence happens approximately every 2.7 years. Contrary to its name, a blue moon does not actually appear blue. Very rarely, atmospheric conditions, such as recent volcanic eruptions, may give the moon a slight bluish tint, but this is unrelated to the term.
• Harvest Moon: The harvest moon typically occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, usually in September. It is known for its distinctive orange hue and rises close to sunset, providing extended hours of bright moonlight. In the past, this extra illumination was invaluable to farmers for harvesting their crops.

Common Questions About Full Moons

Let’s address some frequently asked questions regarding full moons:

1. What is the difference between a Full Moon and a New Moon?

A full moon occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Moon and the Sun, resulting in the entire face of the moon being visible. In contrast, during a new moon, the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun, causing the side facing the Earth to be in darkness.

2. How does the Full Moon influence tides?

The Moon’s gravitational pull causes the Earth’s waters to bulge, resulting in the creation of tides. During both full and new moons when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in alignment, “spring tides” occur. These tides can be exceptionally high or low due to the combined gravitational effects of the Sun and Moon.

3. Do Full Moons have an impact on human behavior?

While there are numerous tales suggesting that full moons influence human behavior, causing restlessness or even “lunacy,” scientific analyses have largely debunked these claims. However, the allure of these stories persists, contributing to our collective fascination with the Moon and its perceived effects on our lives.

The Enduring Captivation With Full Moons

Full moons, in all their varied forms, are a testament to humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos. They remind us of our connection to the celestial world while grounding us in the rhythms of the Earth. Whether you are an avid stargazer or simply appreciate the occasional glimpse of the night sky, full moons invariably demand our attention, inviting us to reflect and marvel at the wonders of the universe.

Looking Ahead: 2024 Full Moon Calendar

For those eager to plan their celestial observations in advance, here is the full moon calendar for 2024 (all times Eastern):

• January 25 – 12:54 p.m.
• February 24 – 7:30 a.m.
• March 25 – 3:00 a.m.
• April 23 – 7:49 p.m.
• May 23 – 9:53 a.m.
• June 21 – 9:08 p.m.
• July 21 – 6:17 a.m.
• August 19 – 2:26 p.m.
• September 17 – 10:34 p.m.
• October 17 – 7:26 a.m.
• November 15 – 4:28 p.m.
• December 15 – 4:02 a.m.

So mark your calendars and prepare to witness the celestial splendor of the full moons in the coming year!