As the first full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, July’s “Buck Moon” will grace the evening sky on Thursday, July 10, 2025, turning officially full at 4:38 p.m. EDT. While it will appear nearly full the night before and after, the most breathtaking view will be during moonrise at dusk on the 10th, when it emerges low in the eastern sky, glowing golden near the horizon.The “Buck Moon” gets its name from the period when young male deer begin to grow their new antlers in midsummer. Like June’s “Strawberry Moon,” this one rises shortly after the summer solstice, making it one of the lowest-hanging full moons of the year. This is because full moons are opposite the sun in the sky, meaning they mimic the sun’s position from the opposite season. Since July features high noontime sun, the full moon appears unusually low at night.Why It’s Called the ‘Buck Moon’
In North American traditions, July’s full moon is often referred to not only as the “Buck Moon” but also as the “Thunder Moon” (due to frequent summer storms) and the “Hay Moon” (when hay is harvested). The names vary globally, shaped by agricultural, cultural, and seasonal observations.The best way to enjoy the full moon is to view it as it rises in the east shortly after sunset, when it appears largest and most dramatic due to the "moon illusion." This year, moonrise will happen about 25 minutes after sunset across most of North America, creating ideal conditions for moon gazing.Best Viewing Times by Location
To catch the moon at its most striking, find a spot with an unobstructed eastern horizon—such as a hilltop, open field, or east-facing beach. For precise times, check a moonrise calculator, but here are a few examples:
July’s Buck Moon also brings to mind a remarkable image from July 21, 1969—the day Michael Collins snapped one of the most iconic space photos from aboard Apollo 11’s command module, Columbia. As Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin returned from the moon’s surface in the lunar module Eagle, Collins captured a picture that included every human being—except himself. Earth hovers in the background, completing a symbolic image of exploration, solitude, and achievement.Lunar Calendar Context for 2025
The Buck Moon is the seventh full moon of 2025. Typically, a solar year (365.24 days) outpaces the lunar year (about 354.37 days), meaning most years have 12 full moons, but occasionally there are 13—such as in 2023 and again in 2028.This year’s lunar highlights include three supermoons and two total lunar eclipses. The first eclipse already occurred on March 13–14, and the next will arrive on September 7–8.What’s Next: The Sturgeon Moon
The next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will shine on Saturday, August 9. It will be the second full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the second of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Like the Buck Moon, it too has a rich history and seasonal significance.
In North American traditions, July’s full moon is often referred to not only as the “Buck Moon” but also as the “Thunder Moon” (due to frequent summer storms) and the “Hay Moon” (when hay is harvested). The names vary globally, shaped by agricultural, cultural, and seasonal observations.The best way to enjoy the full moon is to view it as it rises in the east shortly after sunset, when it appears largest and most dramatic due to the "moon illusion." This year, moonrise will happen about 25 minutes after sunset across most of North America, creating ideal conditions for moon gazing.Best Viewing Times by Location
To catch the moon at its most striking, find a spot with an unobstructed eastern horizon—such as a hilltop, open field, or east-facing beach. For precise times, check a moonrise calculator, but here are a few examples:
- New York: Sunset at 8:29 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:54 p.m. EDT
- Los Angeles: Sunset at 8:07 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:33 p.m. PDT
- London: Sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST
July’s Buck Moon also brings to mind a remarkable image from July 21, 1969—the day Michael Collins snapped one of the most iconic space photos from aboard Apollo 11’s command module, Columbia. As Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin returned from the moon’s surface in the lunar module Eagle, Collins captured a picture that included every human being—except himself. Earth hovers in the background, completing a symbolic image of exploration, solitude, and achievement.Lunar Calendar Context for 2025
The Buck Moon is the seventh full moon of 2025. Typically, a solar year (365.24 days) outpaces the lunar year (about 354.37 days), meaning most years have 12 full moons, but occasionally there are 13—such as in 2023 and again in 2028.This year’s lunar highlights include three supermoons and two total lunar eclipses. The first eclipse already occurred on March 13–14, and the next will arrive on September 7–8.What’s Next: The Sturgeon Moon
The next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will shine on Saturday, August 9. It will be the second full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the second of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Like the Buck Moon, it too has a rich history and seasonal significance.
