Few things bring inspiration like a clear night illuminated with the moonlight of a full moon.

There are 12 full moons this year — one each month.

A full moon is caused when the sun, Earth and the moon are in alignment and the moon appears fully lit by reflections, according to NASA. While a true full moon happens at a specific time of the day or night, it may appear “full” for several days.

2024 a big year for astronomy in Ohio: 8 events from solar eclipses to full moons

Here’s what you need to know about full moons in 2024:

When are full moons in 2024?

Here’s you 2024 full moon calendar, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• Jan. 25: Wolf Moon

• Feb. 24: Snow Moon

• March 25: Worm Moon

• April 23: Pink Moon

• May 23: Flower Moon

• June 21: Strawberry Moon

• July 21: Sturgeon Moon

• Aug. 19: Blue Moon

• Sept. 17: Corn Moon

• Oct. 17: Hunter’s Moon

• Nov. 15: Beaver Moon

• Dec. 15: Cold Moon

Why do full moons have names?

Full moon names have their roots in traditions of indigenous American tribes, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The full moon names helped Native American and other groups track the seasons.

While the most common full moon names are colonial interpretations of Algonquin Native American names, some names have origins in Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and medieval English traditions, according to Time and Date.

When are some of the ‘special’ moons?

According to Time and Date, expect these other special lunar events in 2024:

• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse visible in Columbus on March 25

• Blue Moon (third full moon in a season with four full moons): Aug. 19

• Super Full Moon: Sept. 17

• Partial lunar eclipse visible in Columbus on Sept. 17 and 18

• Super Full Moon: Oct. 17

• Black Moon: Dec. 30 (second new moon in single calendar month)

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When are the full moons in 2024? A complete calendar of full moons