An astronomical spectacle that is not just for deer
Ah, July, the month in which the universe decides to give us a break from so much terrestrial monotony with another astronomical phenomenon. Because, of course, what would our lives be without one more excuse to look at the sky and wonder if we are really alone in this vast cosmos? (Spoiler: probably yes, but dreaming is free).
This July 10, the Deer Moon will make its grand appearance, a name that, of course, has nothing to do with the moon turning into a wild animal, but with the adorable habit of male deer renewing their antlers at this time. What does that have to do with the moon? Absolutely nothing, but the American Indians and settlers decided to name it that way, and the Farmer’s Almanac popularized it, because who needs logic when you have tradition?
How to see it without looking like a lost space tourist
If you want to enjoy this celestial event without your experience ending in a viral “confused person looking at the sky” meme, here are some ironically useful tips:
- Binoculars: Because yes, seeing the moon with the naked eye is too mainstream. If you don’t have some, don’t worry, you can always use two toilet paper tubes glued together. (No, seriously, don’t do it.)
- Escape the city: Unless you enjoy seeing the moon turned neon thanks to light pollution, look for a place where the sky still knows what the color black is.
- Adjust your vision: Allow yourself 15-20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Or, in other words, stop looking at your cell phone as if your life depended on it.
And if you are one of those who think that a telescope is too much effort to see a giant rock floating in space, don’t worry, the moon will still be there, shining with contempt at your astronomical laziness.
Moon photography for beginners (or how not to screw it up)
Do you want to capture the Deer Moon in all its splendor? Here are some technical tips that, if ignored, will ensure your photos look like a yellow blur straight out of a low-budget horror movie:
- Use a tripod: Because no one wants to see your version of “The moon according to a hand tremor caused by too much coffee.”.
- Night mode: Yes, the one you never use because “the flash fixes everything.” Spoiler: no, it doesn’t fix it.
- Lower the exposure: Unless you want your photo to look like an alien lighthouse about to destroy the Earth.
And if you have a professional camera, congratulations, you’re now the coolest astrophotographer on the block. Set up your computer as if you know what you’re doing (or follow instructions from someone who does).
Ready to enjoy the show? Share your photos with the hashtag #LunaDeCiervo and show the world that, at least for one night, you knew how to point a camera upward. And if you were left wanting more celestial events, explore our content on astronomical wonders!
