
Get Ready for the Spectacular 'Buck Moon' Rising This Week!
2025-07-07
Author: John Tan
The Buck Moon is Almost Here!
Mark your calendars! The stunning July full moon, famously dubbed the 'Buck Moon', is set to make its dazzling appearance on Wednesday, July 10. Astrophotographers and stargazers alike are in for a treat!
What Makes the Buck Moon Special?
But why the name 'Buck Moon'? Traditionally, this full moon signifies the time in North America when male deer, or bucks, start growing their antlers. Alternatively, it’s sometimes referred to as the 'Thunder Moon', a nod to the dramatic summer storms that often sweep through the U.S. in July. Adding to its allure, this lunar event coincides with Earth's aphelion—when our planet is at its farthest point from the Sun—making it the most distant full moon of 2025.
When to Catch the Show!
The full moon will peak at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) on July 10, but you won’t see it until it rises above the southern horizon around sunset in your local time zone. In New York City, for example, expect moonrise around 8:53 p.m. Be sure to check trusted sites like timeanddate.com for local timings!
Why Does the Buck Moon Appear So Low?
This month’s full moon will be particularly low in the sky after sunset, a phenomenon linked to its timing just after the summer solstice. In 2025, this effect is intensified due to the rare 'Major Lunar Standstill', which occurs every 18.6 years and accentuates the moon's tilt relative to Earth's equator.
A Visual Feast on July 10!
For the best experience, catch the Buck Moon shortly after it rises. Due to the 'Moon Illusion', it will look larger near the horizon than when it’s high above you, even though it occupies the same space in the night sky! Additionally, expect to see a beautiful golden or reddish hue, courtesy of Rayleigh scattering—just like those gorgeous sunsets.
Celebrate Apollo with Lunar Legacy!
July is also a time to honor a monumental moment in history—the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing! On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history as the first humans to walk on the moon. Reflect on this achievement by exploring the locations of all six Apollo landing sites on a visual guide. A 6-inch telescope will allow you to see the lunar landscape, enhancing this already magical experience.