AMMAN — Stargazers and astrophotographers in Jordan and around the world are preparing their cameras and telescopes for Wednesday night’s midsummer full moon, which will reach its peak and offer a striking celestial display visible throughout the night.

 

In a statement, cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the Jordanian Astronomical Society said that the full moon will reach its peak at 5:34 pm Jordan time, rising around sunset and remaining visible until dawn. The moon will be located about 402,000 kilometers from Earth and will appear in the constellation Capricornus.

 

Despite its distance from Earth, the society confirmed that the event will not be classified as a micromoon.

 

Ammar Sakaji, president of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, said the full moon will provide favorable viewing opportunities for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, particularly during moonrise and moonset when the lunar disk appears lower on the horizon.

 

Sakaji added that the moon’s brightness could make it difficult to observe faint deep-sky objects, including distant galaxies and nebulae, as the intense light will reduce visibility. He noted that nights closer to the new moon are generally more suitable for observing such celestial features.

 

Known internationally as the “Buck Moon,” July’s full moon also carries cultural significance in Arab heritage. Traditionally, it was known as “Badr Najir,” a poetic reference to the height of the summer heat.