Get Ready for the 2025 Buck Moon Show This Week
The full moon of July 2025—known as the Buck Moon—is set to rise on Thursday, July 10, and it’s shaping up to be a must-see event for skywatchers across the country. This year’s lunar display is even more special: it takes place just days after Earth reached aphelion, its farthest point from the sun. That makes this the furthest full moon from the sun in all of 2025.
Whether you’re into stargazing, photography, or simply soaking up the night sky, the Buck Moon promises a golden spectacle that’s not to be missed.
Why Is It Called the “Buck Moon”?
Every full moon has a name rooted in natural seasonal changes. The Buck Moon gets its name from a fascinating event in the animal world—it’s the time of year when male deer (bucks) begin growing new antlers.
You might also hear it called the “Thunder Moon”, a nod to the frequent summer storms that roll across parts of North America in July. No matter what you call it, this moon carries with it a unique beauty and meaning tied to nature and tradition.
When and Where to See It
The full moon officially peaks at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) on July 10, but it won’t be visible until after sunset in your local area. For example, in New York City, the moon will rise around 8:53 p.m. local time.
Not in NYC? No worries—moonrise times vary based on location. Check trusted sites like timeanddate.com or in-the-sky.org for exact timings in your region.
Why Will It Look So Low in the Sky?
You might notice something unusual about this full moon—it will appear very low on the horizon. That’s no coincidence. It’s related to how the moon travels across the sky during summer.
Because the sun is high in the sky around the solstice, the moon—being opposite the sun—takes a much lower path. But there’s another rare twist this year: we’re in the middle of a Major Lunar Standstill.
This event happens only once every 18.6 years, when the moon’s orbit reaches an extreme tilt. That tilt makes the moon appear even lower (or higher, depending on the season) than usual. In July 2025, that means a dramatic moonrise for those watching.
What to Expect on the Night of July 10
Plan to head outside just after moonrise for the best viewing. You’ll witness the Moon Illusion, where the moon appears larger than it actually is when it’s close to the horizon. It’s an optical trick, but a stunning one.
Also keep an eye out for its golden or reddish tint. This warm color is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same effect behind brilliant sunsets. When the moon is low, its light has to pass through more of Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue light and leaving behind a rich, amber glow.
Whether you’re watching from the city, countryside, or coast, bring a pair of binoculars or a camera—you’ll want to capture this moment.
Celebrating Apollo: A Look Back at Moon History
This month also marks a major moment in space history: the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, while Michael Collins orbited above.
Want to honor the milestone? Try locating the Apollo landing sites on the moon’s surface. With the naked eye, you can find the general areas, but with a 6-inch telescope, you can explore the details of craters, lunar seas, and the zones once visited by astronauts.
From scientific rarity to historical reflection, this year’s Buck Moon is more than just a full moon—it’s a cosmic experience.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more celestial updates and night sky wonders.
