2004

Full Moons of 2005

2006

Every full moon of 2005, including traditional names used for centuries by Native American and European cultures. These names reflect seasonal activities and natural phenomena.

Wolf Moon

January

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

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

Thursday, February 24, 2005

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

Worm Moon

March

Friday, March 25, 2005

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

Pink Moon

April

Sunday, April 24, 2005

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

Flower Moon

May

Monday, May 23, 2005

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

Strawberry Moon

June

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

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

Buck Moon

July

Thursday, July 21, 2005

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

Sturgeon Moon

August

Friday, August 19, 2005

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

Harvest Moon

September

Sunday, September 18, 2005

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

Hunter's Moon

October

Monday, October 17, 2005

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

Beaver Moon

November

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

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

Cold Moon

December

Thursday, December 15, 2005

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