As July unfolds across the Northern Hemisphere, the summer sky prepares to dazzle with one of its most anticipated celestial events. As the Buck Moon. Traditionally named for the time when male deer begin growing new antlers, the Buck Moon is July’s full Moon and will reach its peak brightness on the night of July 10, 2025. This luminous display isn’t the only highlight of the month. From striking planetary alignments to upcoming meteor showers, the season promises a rich schedule of cosmic activity. For skywatchers and stargazers alike, July offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with the wonders of the universe.
What is July’s full Moon or Buck Moon
The term “Buck Moon” originates from the indigenous peoples of North America, specifically tribes such as the Algonquin, who named full moons to track seasons and natural cycles. July’s full Moon coincides with the time when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow new antlers after shedding them earlier in the spring. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, these antlers can grow as much as a quarter-inch per day, a biological process driven by testosterone and the lengthening daylight of summer. This Moon, therefore, symbolized regeneration, strength, and preparation for mating season later in the year (Old Farmer’s Almanac).
Buck Moon 2025: When and how to view July’s full Moon
According to USA Today reports, July’s Full Moon will be visible:
- Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Time of peak illumination: 4:37 PM EDT / 3:37 PM CDT
- Visibility: Although the Moon reaches peak fullness during daylight hours in North America, the best viewing will occur after local sunset, when it rises fully illuminated on the eastern horizon.
Buck Moon 2025: Best viewing tips
- Time: Begin observing about 30–60 minutes after sunset for best visibility.
- Location: Choose a spot with a clear view of the southeast horizon. Elevated locations or those with minimal urban light pollution (e.g. rural areas, observatories, or state parks) will yield the clearest sights.
- Equipment: The Buck Moon is fully visible to the naked eye, but using binoculars or a basic telescope will enhance visibility of lunar surface details like craters, maria (lunar seas), and highlands.
- Atmospheric effects: When rising, the Moon appears larger and more golden due to Rayleigh scattering—an optical illusion caused by Earth’s atmosphere. This is commonly referred to as the “Moon Illusion,” a well-documented but still psychologically mysterious phenomenon.
Buck Moon 2025 and beyond: What planets you can see and when
The full Moon won’t be the only celestial body lighting up the night sky on July 10. Several planets will be visible before and after the Moon reaches its peak:
- Mars: Visible just after sunset in the western sky, though it will set before midnight, so plan for early evening viewing.
- Venus: Rises around 2:00 am local time in the eastern sky and will shine brightly until sunrise.
- Saturn: Also visible in the eastern sky near the Moon, but due to the Moon’s strong glow, binoculars or a telescope may be required to see its iconic rings.
Scientific significance of the full Moon phase
A full Moon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line, with Earth between the Sun and Moon. This phase reveals 100% of the lunar surface visible from Earth and plays a role in tidal strength, increasing both high and low tides due to gravitational alignment. The July 2025 Buck Moon will appear in the constellation Capricornus, providing amateur astronomers with context to observe other stars and planetary bodies in proximity.
Why July’s full Moon is called the Buck Moon
The July full Moon carries several names, all of which are rooted in Indigenous traditions and early colonial farming culture. These names were used to track seasonal changes and agricultural patterns.
- Buck Moon: Named for the time of year when male deer (bucks) begin regrowing their antlers, which reach peak growth in July.
- Thunder Moon: Refers to the frequent thunderstorms that occur across North America during midsummer.
- Salmon Moon: Reflects the seasonal migration of salmon upstream to spawn.
- Feather Molting Moon: Marks the period when ducks and other birds molt feathers, preparing for migration.
These traditional names were passed down through generations and are still recognized in modern skywatching guides like The Farmer’s Almanac.Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla set to interact with students and ISRO scientists from space on Friday, July 4