In 2025, there will be full moons during every month, where the sun, the earth, and the moon are in alignment making a straight line. Moons are full for a brief period of time, usually a day or less, around 15 days after a new moon. They are waxing or waning before and afterwards.
Some will be in total eclipse, some will be blood or super moons, and all will have names that come from folklore, Native Americans, and early European settlers. These names often come from natural cycles during seasonal times of year relating to traditions for growing, reaping, fishing, hunting, and more.
Full moons, along with other factors like rain and temperature, may affect the animal world. Night predators like owls have a better view of their prey, while small animals like rodents and amphibians, may limit movement during this time of greater exposure. Some migrating birds may use the moon as well as the starts for navigating night flights. Some anglers prefer to fish by moonlight. Some hunters prefer not to hunt the day after a full moon as they believe the deer to be overly active the night before.
Here are the dates and types of full moons this year and where they got their names from folklore and history. Perhaps they may inspire an outdoor adventure this year.
January 13: Wolf Moon
Gray wolves were believed to howl more during this cold time of year out of hunger or activity according to Native American and European folklore. In Missouri, we are more likely to hear coyotes howling and barking at night.
February 12: Snow Moon
This moon name reflects a very cold month with lots of snow. Animals that are not hibernating, are competing for low food sources. It also reflects a very still and restful time of year.
March 14: Worm Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon
Named for a time when the soil begins to warm and earthworms, grubs, beetle and other larvae begin to emerge, enriching the soil in preparation for growing season. They are also one of the earliest food supplies for birds, bears, skunks, and other animals. This month's full moon will be in total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon. This happens when the earth is exactly between the sun and moon and the earth casts its shadow. According to NASA, any sunlight that makes it to the moon’s surface during the eclipse, passes through the earth’s atmosphere first, casting an orange-reddish pall.
April 12: Pink Moon
This moon’s name reflects the colors of early spring blooms rather than the hue of the moon. Native Americans marked the arrival of spring by these early blooms like phlox which added pink shades to the landscape. Missouri has several types of wild phlox with Downy Phlox, Blue Phlox, and Wild Sweet William among the most common.
May 12: Flower Moon
This name builds on the growing momentum of the peak of spring with an abundance of color and activity. Butterflies and hummingbirds are seeking out colorful blooms while spring birds are migrating across the skies. The deep colors and rhythmic motions are a refreshing time to be out enjoying nature on walks or hikes.
June 11: Strawberry Moon
This month was named for a time when the fruits were ripening and ready to be enjoyed during the summer season.
July 10: Buck Moon
Named for a time of full growth and observed by the rapid growth of deer antlers covered by a nourishing velvet. Antler growth in bucks is determined by many factors including genetics, age, and nutrition. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this growth may reach a peak of ¼ inch per day in white-tailed deer. Peak growth occurs in June and July in Missouri and peaks for bucks in the 5-7 year age range. In early August the antlers in velvet will harden and shift from mostly protein to mostly calcium and phosphorous. Deer may be observed rubbing the velvet on tree saplings. The protective velvet will be shed after mating, usually within a day.
August 9: Sturgeon Moon
Named by Native Americans for the ancient Lake Sturgeon, a fish that was a critical food staple for many tribes and settlers. Fishing is enjoyed in the summer today, but the timing of this moon for the Lake Sturgeon seems odd. In recent years, this prehistoric fish has been observed spawning naturally in our larger waters of the Mississippi near St. Louis and in the Osage River. This recent discovery marks an exciting time for MDC researchers and partners to study, track, and create optimal conditions for this prehistoric fish to fully sustain itself naturally in our waters one day. Spawning talks place in April in Missouri in shallow waters near rocks. In earlier days, the sturgeon would have been easier to spear in shallow waters as they neared shore to spawn. If you happen to see sturgeon spawning which make look like small sharks thrashing about, please let MDC researchers know.
September 7 Harvest Moon Total Lunar Eclipse/Blood Moon
“But there’s a full moon risin’
Let’s go dancin’ in the light…”
Neil Young, Harvest Moon
Many songs and movies reference September’s Harvest moon. The timing is close to the equinox and reflects a time of reaping the bounties grown in summer. Early farmers, before electricity, relied on moonlight to work longer hours in the field. This year’s full moon will have a total eclipse dipped in shades of red.
October 6: Hunter Moon Super Moon
This month’s moon is a super moon. A super moon occurs when it’s orbit is closest to the earth, a point known as a perigee. According to NASA the orbit is and elliptical path that wobbles depending on where the earth and sun are in their orbits. Super moons occur at differing points and may happen three to four times per year. The name of this moon represents a time when leaves are falling, air is cooling, and preparations are being made for the upcoming winter. Perhaps aided by moonlight, early hunters tracked fattened game for winter survival.
November 5: Beaver Moon Super Moon
November hosts another super moon this year. This is a time where early tribes hunted beaver, known as nature’s lumberjacks, for fur, warmth and trade. It’s also a time where beavers prepare for the winter with lodges built with underwater entrances and hidden food caches to survive the long winter away from predators.
December 4: Cold Moon Super Moon
The Cold Moon this year is also a super moon and reflects a time of gathering and protection for the elements of winter. In today’s times, we have clothing and gear to enjoy being out in the winter to watch bald eagles, migrating ducks, or go on winter hikes. This month is also a great time on darker nights and places to look for the Geminid Meteor showers.
These are times where you may enjoy a little extra light for nature exploring this year.
Special Thanks to Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, Science Unit Supervisor Darren Thornhill, Fisheries Biologist Travis Moore, Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock News Services Coordinator Jill Pritchard.
Information sourced from MDC, Nebraskaland, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, darksky.org, NASA, and the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
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