The skies above Devon and Cornwall lit up overnight as the Buck Moon reached its peak, casting a bright, silvery glow over the rugged coastline. Despite patchy cloud cover in some coastal areas, stargazers from Penzance to Plymouth caught clear glimpses of the lunar display.
The July full moon, traditionally known as the “Buck Moon” because it coincides with the time of year when male deer begin to grow their new antlers, appeared roughly 14% larger and 30% brighter than a standard full moon. This visual effect stems from the moon’s elliptical orbit, which brought it closer to Earth than usual.
For those watching from the cliffs near Land’s End, the moon rose just after dusk, reflecting off the Atlantic and creating a stark contrast against the dark horizon. Amateur astronomers across the South West reported high visibility, with many taking to social media to share images of the lunar orb hanging low over historic landmarks like St Michael’s Mount.
The phenomenon wasn’t just a visual treat; it also triggered higher-than-average tides along the Cornish coast. Local maritime authorities had issued standard warnings for coastal paths, noting that the combination of the full moon and the lunar perigee would exert a stronger gravitational pull on the tides.
While the “supermoon” label is often debated by purists, the sheer brightness of the event was undeniable. The moon’s position in the constellation of Capricornus kept it relatively low in the southern sky throughout the night, making it appear larger to the naked eye when viewed near the landscape.
For those who missed the peak, the moon will remain visually full for the next two nights, though its brightness will begin a subtle decline as it moves further along its orbital path. The next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, is slated for mid-August, though it won’t share the same proximity to Earth as this week’s display.
