The next full Moon is the so-called Flower Moon, the fifth full Moon of 2024, which will be visible at 21:59 BST on 25 May.
In this full Moon calendar you can find dates (and names) for every full Moon in 2024, including Moonrise times.
Many astronomers and stargazers find the full Moon a nuisance, as the bright lunar glare drowns out the view of deep-sky objects.
And even if the Moon is your chosen observing target, many argue that features on the Moon like craters and lunar maria are better seen during the lunar phases.
During a crescent Moon or gibbous Moon, for example, the terminator - the line dividing the lit and unlit portions of the Moon - accentuates certain features, making them much better primed for exploration.
There are even famous clair-obscur effects on the Moon that you can look for at certain times.
Download our lunar phases poster 2024 (PDF) for a printable guide to help you keep track of the Moon in 2024.
Why you should see the next full Moon
Nevertheless, many naked-eye stargazers are keen to know when the next full Moon will appear, because there's just something awe-inspiring about a bright lunar disc dominating the night sky.
This is especially true during a supermoon, which many observers get excited about.
And there is still a lot you can see on the lunar surface if you step outside to observe a full Moon.
If it's been raining (or you happen to be near a waterfall!) you might also be able to spot a moonbow.
Scroll down for 2024's key dates in our calendar, including the different names given to each one and when they will rise.
For more advice, read our guides on how to observe the Moon and how to photograph the Moon.
And for weekly observing advice including Moonrise times and phases, sign up to receive the BBC Sky at Night magazine e-newsletter.
Full Moon calendar dates 2024
Here are dates and times for the 12 full Moons in 2024. Times are given in UTC/BST and valid for the centre of the UK. BST is UTC 1.
- 25th January - 15:57 UTC
- 24th February - 17:33 UTC
- 25th March - 18:57 UTC
- 24th April - 21:33 BST
- 23rd May - 21:59 BST
- 22nd June - 23:05 BST
- 21st July - 22:09 BST
- 19th August - 20:48 BST
- 18th September - 19:28 BST
- 17th October - 17:56 BST
- 15th November - 15:31 UTC
- 15th December - 15:14 UTC
Full Moon names 2024
Today everyone’s familiar with the popular, informal names given to full Moons – there’s a different one for each month: June’s is called the Strawberry Moon.
The waxing and waning appearance of our lunar neighbour is a constant in our skies and the appearance of the bright lunar disc can be a mixed blessing.
Its bright light makes it much harder to see the stars beyond, but it does have a beauty all of its own – something easy to appreciate if you take the time to look.
Using informal or formal names helps us appreciate the lunar cycle.
Perhaps the most well-known name is the Blue Moon, which is considered popularly to be the second full Moon in the same month.
This definition is based on a misinterpretation that originated in a 1946 edition of Sky & Telescope Magazine, however, which became widespread in the 1980s after it was used in a popular radio show and the board game Trivial Pursuit.
The original definition of a Blue Moon is the third full Moon in a season that contains four Moons.
Here, the seasons are defined as the time between winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and vernal equinox.
These are the popular names for full Moons as they stand in 2024.
- Wolf Moon - 25 January
- Snow Moon - 24 February
- Worm Moon - 25 March
- Pink Moon - 24 April
- Flower Moon - 23 May
- Strawberry Moon - 22 June
- Buck Moon - 21 July
- Sturgeon Moon - 19 August (also a seasonal Blue Moon)
- Harvest Moon - 18 September (a supermoon)
- Hunter’s Moon - 17 October
- Beaver Moon - 15 November
- Cold Moon - 15 December
What are your favourite lunar features? Let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
