What is Today’s Moon Called?

If you ever looked up at the night sky, you must have gazed at the moon, whether it’s a full moon, half-moon, or crescent moon. But, have you ever wondered about the names given to the moon on particular days?

The answer isn’t straightforward since the moon has various nicknames based on different cultures and traditions. However, the commonly used names for the different phases of the moon are based on the lunar calendar that has 12 or 13 months, each with 29 to 30 days.

Let’s take a look at the different names given to the moon throughout its phases:

New Moon

The new moon is when the moon is aligned between the earth and the sun, making it invisible from the earth. In Western culture, a new moon isn’t given a specific name, but in Chinese culture, it’s known as “Black Moon.”

Waxing Crescent Moon

This phase begins after the new moon and lasts approximately a week until the first quarter moon. The waxing crescent moon got its name because it grows, or “waxes,” from a thin crescent shape to a half-moon.

First Quarter Moon

The first quarter moon is when the moon is half-illuminated from our perspective on Earth. This phase is also referred to as a half-moon or a waxing half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

The waxing gibbous phase follows the first quarter moon and lasts until the full moon. It’s called “gibbous” because it’s more than half-lit, but not entirely.

Full Moon

The full moon is when the moon is entirely illuminated from our perspective on Earth. The full moon has several different names that vary based on different cultures and traditions, including the Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon, and Beaver Moon.

Waning Gibbous Moon

After the full moon, the moon starts to wane, or decrease in size. The waning gibbous moon lasts approximately a week, and it’s less than fully illuminated.

Last Quarter Moon

The last quarter moon is the opposite of the first quarter moon, meaning it’s also a half-moon, but this time, the left side of the moon is illuminated.

Waning Crescent Moon

The last phase of the lunar cycle is the waning crescent moon. It’s when the moon appears as a thin crescent shape again, similar to the waxing crescent moon.

In conclusion, the moon has several different names based on its different phases, cultures, and traditions. Understanding these names might not be vital, but it adds a bit of depth to our ever-expanding knowledge of the universe.

What is Today’s Moon Called?

Are you curious about the name of the moon today? Have you ever wondered why the moon has different names and what they mean? In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the names of the moon.

What is the Name of the Moon Today?

The name of the moon today depends on the phase of the moon. The moon has eight phases, and each phase has a different name. The current phase of the moon can be found by checking a lunar calendar or a moon phase app. Below are the eight phases of the moon and their names:

1. New Moon

The new moon is the first phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is between the sun and the earth, with the side of the moon facing earth in complete darkness. The new moon is also called the dark moon.

2. Waxing Crescent Moon

The waxing crescent moon is the second phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is partly illuminated by the sun, visible from earth as a sliver or a crescent.

3. First Quarter Moon

The first quarter moon is the third phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon has completed one-quarter of its orbit around the earth, and the side of the moon facing earth is half illuminated by the sun.

4. Waxing Gibbous Moon

The waxing gibbous moon is the fourth phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is more than half illuminated by the sun, but not yet a full moon.

5. Full Moon

The full moon is the fifth phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun, with the entire side of the moon facing earth illuminated by the sun.

6. Waning Gibbous Moon

The waning gibbous moon is the sixth phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is still more than half illuminated by the sun, but not yet a half moon.

7. Last Quarter Moon

The last quarter moon is the seventh phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon has completed three-quarters of its orbit around the earth, and the side of the moon facing earth is half illuminated by the sun.

8. Waning Crescent Moon

The waning crescent moon is the eighth and final phase of the moon, and it occurs when the moon is partly illuminated by the sun, visible from earth as a sliver or a crescent. It is also known as the old moon.

Why Does the Moon Have Different Names?

The names of the moon phases come from different cultures and traditions around the world. Some cultures used the moon to mark planting and hunting seasons, while others used it to mark the tides and time.

For example, the full moon in January is called the Wolf Moon, as Native American tribes used to hear the howling of wolves during this time of year. The full moon in March is called the Worm Moon because it marks the time when the earthworms reappear and the ground begins to thaw. The full moon in June is called the Strawberry Moon, as it marks the time when strawberries are ripe for the picking.

What are Some Other Names for the Moon?

Besides the phases of the moon, there are other names for the moon depending on its appearance or its location in the sky.

Blue Moon

A blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in the same month. It is a rare occurrence and has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon.

Blood Moon

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the moon appears red in color. This happens because the earth’s atmosphere filters out the blue light and leaves the red light, which is then reflected onto the moon.

Supermoon

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the earth, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky.

What is Today’s Moon Called?

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered what the name of the moon is that you are seeing? The moon, which is the Earth’s natural satellite, has many different names depending on the time of year and location. In this article, we will explore the different names of the moon and the significance behind them.

What is the Meaning of a Moon Name?

Each month’s moon has a particular name based on traditional folklore, legends, and cultural practices. Many of these names have their roots in Native American tribes that named the moon as a way of tracking the seasons.

The full moon is often a significant event, providing light to the Earth, and many cultures put great emphasis on each moon phase. Farmers, for instance, would plant crops according to the lunar cycle, particularly during the full moon, since it is believed to bring excellent yields.

What are the Different Names of the Moon?

Here are the different names of the moon and their significance:

January: Wolf Moon

The first moon of the year is called the Wolf Moon. This name comes from Native American folklore, particularly the Algonquin tribe, who believed that wolves howled at the moon more frequently during the month of January.

February: Snow Moon

The second moon of the year is called the Snow Moon. This name is derived from the heavy snowfall that typically occurs during this month in most parts of the world. For Native Americans, it was known as the Hunger Moon because hunting was difficult during this season.

March: Worm Moon

The third moon of the year is the Worm Moon. Its name comes from the earthworms that appear as the soil begins to thaw in March, signaling the beginning of spring.

April: Pink Moon

The fourth moon of the year is called the Pink Moon, but it is not because the moon appears pink. The name comes from the pink wildflowers, known as Phlox, that bloom during April’s full moon

May: Flower Moon

The fifth moon of the year is known as the Flower Moon. This name is also attributed to the blooming of flowers during this season. It’s called the Corn Planting Moon by cultures who use this month to begin planting.

June: Strawberry Moon

The sixth moon of the year is the Strawberry Moon. This name comes from the Algonquin tribe, who believed that the moon signaled the time for collecting strawberries.

July: Buck Moon

The seventh moon of the year is known as Buck Moon, named after the new antlers that male deer begin to grow during this season.

August: Sturgeon Moon

The eighth moon is called the Sturgeon Moon, named after the large fish found in the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water. It’s also called the Green Corn Moon.

September: Harvest Moon

The ninth moon of the year is the Harvest Moon, which is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It is named after the harvest season, which is a time when crops are gathered.

October: Hunter’s Moon

The tenth moon of the year is the Hunter’s Moon, named after the time when Native Americans hunted game and stored food for the winter.

November: Beaver Moon

The eleventh moon of the year is called the Beaver Moon, named after beavers that begin to prepare for winter by building dams and preparing dens during November.

December: Cold Moon

The twelfth and final moon of the year is the Cold Moon. It’s named after the cold and bitter temperatures that often occur during the winter season. It’s also called the Long Nights Moon.

Conclusion

The moon has many different names, each with its unique significance and history. Knowing each moon’s name can deepen our appreciation and understanding of the world around us as we follow the lunar cycle throughout the year.