The Full Moon
The Full Moon is the most spectacular Moon phase when the entire face of the Moon is lit up.
The Full Moon.
©iStockphoto.com/selimaksan
100% Illuminated
At Full Moon, the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun's rays and it can be bright enough to light up otherwise dark nights.
Technically, this primary Moon phase only lasts a moment, the instant when the Sun and the Moon are aligned on opposite sides of Earth (see illustration). So the exact time for Full Moon is during the day on parts of the planet.
However, the Moon can appear to be full a day before or after while more than 98% of the Moon's disc is illuminated.
Therefore, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a Full Moon and the last stage of a Waxing Gibbous Moon or the beginning of a Waning Gibbous Moon.
Earth in the Middle
The Moon's position in space at Full Moon.
@timeanddate.com
The technical term for the Full Moon alignment is syzygy of the Sun-Earth-Moon-system.
When the side of the Moon we can see from Earth is fully lit up at Full Moon, the opposite side is in darkness, and vice versa at New Moon.
The Full Moon is visible in the sky approximately from sunset to sunrise. At the precise moment of the Full Moon alignment, the Moon is only visible in the night part of Earth, with a few exceptions.
A Primary Moon Phase
Full Moon is the third of the four primary Moon phases which occur at specific moments in time. The other three are New Moon, First Quarter Moon, and Third Quarter Moon.
In addition, there are four intermediate phases which take up the time in between the primary phases. These are called Waxing Crescent Moon, Waxing Gibbous Moon, Waning Gibbous Moon, and Waning Crescent Moon.
The eight phases of the Moon
©timeanddate.com
Elliptical Orbit
The Moon orbits Earth counterclockwise on an elliptical path when looking down at the Earth's North Pole, and the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. However, over time, the Moon rocks slightly from north to south and wobbles a little from east to west. This motion, known as lunar libration, makes it possible to see up to 59% of the Moon’s surface from Earth, although only 50% at a time.
Supermoon and Micromoon
The point of the Moon's orbit closest to Earth is called perigee and the point farthest away is known as apogee. When the Full Moon comes close to the perigee, it is known as a Supermoon or Super Full Moon.
When a Full Moon is close to the apogee, it is called a Micromoon.
Higher Tides at Full Moon
The greatest difference between high and low tide is around Full Moon and New Moon. During these Moon phases, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun combine to pull the ocean’s water in the same direction. These tides are known as spring tides or king tides.
Causes Lunar Eclipses
A red Moon during a total lunar eclipse.
Deanne Fortnam
Around 2 or 3 times a year, the Full Moon comes close to the lunar nodes. These are the points where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic, which is the path of the Sun, seen from Earth. When this happens, Earth casts its shadow on the Full Moon, causing a lunar eclipse.
Solar eclipses, on the other hand, can only happen if the Moon comes close to the lunar nodes around New Moon.
Blue Moon Is a Full Moon
Most years have 12 Full Moons, 1 each month. However, our calendar is not perfectly synchronized with astronomical events. Therefore, every now and then, a year has 13 Full Moons. When this happens, at least one of those Full Moons is called a Blue Moon.
Full Moon in Calendars
The symbol for Full Moon in modern calendars is a completely white circle.
The other primary Moon phase symbols in calendars are:
= New Moon, 
= First Quarter, 
= Third Quarter
The Full Moon in Culture
The Moon has influenced human culture for millennia, and the Full Moon phase in particular. The date for Easter Sunday, for example, is determined based on the Full Moon and the vernal equinox.
The Moon has also inspired the invention of countless deities, like the Roman goddess Luna or her Norse male counterpart Máni, who gave his name to Monday. And, even today, people use ancient Full Moon names, like Harvest Moon and Strawberry Moon.
Witches and Werewolves
Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand.
©iStockphoto.com/Phurinee
In the past, it was common to think that many forms of mental illness were caused by the Moon, hence the name lunatic. The Full Moon has even been held responsible for supernatural transformations, changing otherwise harmless men into ferocious werewolves.
Modern Full Moon Celebration
The Full Moon still inspires celebrations. One of the most famous gatherings these days is the monthly Full Moon party on Haad Rin beach on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand, where thousands of tourists gather every month.
