1989

Full Moons of 1990

1991

Every full moon of 1990, including traditional names used for centuries by Native American and European cultures. These names reflect seasonal activities and natural phenomena.

Wolf Moon

January

Thursday, January 11, 1990

Named after the howling wolves that could be heard during the cold, dark nights of January. Also called the Ice Moon or Old Moon.

Snow Moon

February

Friday, February 9, 1990

Named for the typically heavy snowfalls of February in North America. Also known as the Hunger Moon, as hunting was difficult.

Worm Moon

March

Sunday, March 11, 1990

Named for the earthworm trails that appear in the newly thawed soil of March, signaling the return of spring.

Pink Moon

April

Tuesday, April 10, 1990

Named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring across North America. Also called the Sprouting Grass Moon.

Flower Moon

May

Wednesday, May 9, 1990

Named for the abundant flowers that bloom in May across the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as the Corn Planting Moon.

Strawberry Moon

June

Friday, June 8, 1990

Named by the Algonquin peoples for the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries in June.

Buck Moon

July

Sunday, July 8, 1990

Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers in July. Also called the Thunder Moon.

Sturgeon Moon

August

Monday, August 6, 1990

Named by the Great Lakes peoples for the abundance of sturgeon fish caught in August.

Harvest Moon

September

Wednesday, September 5, 1990

The full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Its bright light helped farmers harvest crops after sunset.

Hunter's Moon

October

Thursday, October 4, 1990

Following the Harvest Moon, October's full moon illuminated the fields for hunters pursuing their prey.

Beaver Moon

November

Friday, November 2, 1990

Named for the time when beavers finish building their dams and lodges before winter. Also called the Frost Moon.

Cold Moon

December

Sunday, December 2, 1990

Named for the long, cold nights of December when winter firmly grips the Northern Hemisphere.

Cold Moon

December

Monday, December 31, 1990

Named for the long, cold nights of December when winter firmly grips the Northern Hemisphere.