JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The full moon is one of the most familiar - yet mystical - sights in the night sky. Did you know that there are 12 different full moons throughout the year? Based on when they occur, full moons have been given different names. Ancient cultures used animals, plants, and other characteristics of their time and the given month to demarcate each full moon (information courtesy National Geographic):
January: Wolf Moon
The month when you hear howling of hungry wolves lamenting the lack of food during winter
Also known as Cold Moon or Ice Moon
February: Snow Moon
The month that typically brings cold and snowy weather to North America
Also known as Storm Moon or Hunger Moon
March: Worm Moon
Native American notice worms trails in the thawing ground during this last month of winter
Also known as Chaste Moon, Death Moon, Crust Moon, and Sap Moon
April: Pink Moon
Northern Native Americans characterize this full moon with blooming wildflowers
Also known as Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, and Fish Moon
May: Flower Moon
Thanks to the abundance of blooming flowers in many cultures
Also known as Hare Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon
June: Strawberry Moon
For the strawberry harvests in North America that typically occur this month
Also known as Rose Moon and Hot Moon
July: Buck Moon
The month when male deer regrow their antlers
Also known as Thunder Moon and Hay Moon
August: Sturgeon Moon
Native Americans dubbed this for August because sturgeon fish typically thrive during this time
Also known as Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Red Moon
September: Harvest Moon
The most familiar, referring to the time of year when crops are gathered
Also known as Corn Moon and Barley Moon
October: Hunter's Moon
The first moon after the harvest, typically in the night sky for long periods of time
Also known as Travel Moon and Dying Grass Moon
November: Beaver Moon
Named after the month when beavers begin building their dams, or Native Americans setting traps for beavers
Also known as Frost Moon
December: Cold Moon
The coming of winter, simply put
Also known as Long Night Moon and Oak Moon
Honorable Mention: Blue Moon
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