The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, says some Native American tribes called July's full moon the "buck moon" because it occurs in early summer, when male deer (bucks) typically begin growing new antlers covered in velvety fur.

The Moon looked spectacular over parts of the south on Thursday night. This particular Moon was a Buck Moon, a type of supermoon - when the Moon is closest to the Earth, and full. Monthly full Moons have different names, and July's is named to represent the time of year when male deer, known as bucks, begin to grow their new antlers.

The full buck moon will reach its peak illumination on Thursday, July 10. It’s just one of this month’s celestial highlights.