The full Buck Moon, marking the first full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, will reach its peak on Thursday, July 10, 2025. This celestial event is best observed at moonrise, as it emerges in the eastern sky during dusk. The Buck Moon derives its name from the antlers that bucks begin to grow during this time of year. Like last June’s Strawberry Moon, this full moon will be one of the lowest-hanging of the year, occurring shortly after the summer solstice.
The Buck Moon will officially turn full at 4:38 p.m. EDT on July 10, though it will appear full the night before and the night after. The optimal time to view the moonrise is during dusk on the 10th. According to EarthSky, July’s full moon is also known as the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon in North America, reflecting the diverse cultural and seasonal names assigned to full moons worldwide.
Understanding the Buck Moon’s Unique Position
Full moons are at their most stunning when they first appear on the eastern horizon during dusk. This month, the moon will rise approximately 25 minutes after sunset in North America, offering a perfect opportunity for observation. The Buck Moon’s low position in the sky is due to its opposition to the sun, which is at its highest point during this time of year. Consequently, the full moon remains relatively low, providing a unique viewing experience.
For the best viewing experience, it’s advisable to find an elevated location, an open field, or an east-facing coastline with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. To determine the best time for moonrise in your area, consult a moonrise calculator. Here are some sample times for major cities:
- New York: Sunset at 8:29 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:54 p.m. EDT on July 10.
- Los Angeles: Sunset at 8:07 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:33 p.m. PDT on July 10.
- London: Sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST on July 10.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The Buck Moon is the seventh of 12 full moons in 2025. While a solar year comprises 365.24 days, a lunar year is approximately 354.37 days, occasionally resulting in 13 full moons in a calendar year, as seen in 2023 and expected again in 2028. Of the 12 full moons in 2025, three will be “supermoons,” and two will be “blood moon” total lunar eclipses. The first of these occurred on March 13-14, with the next lunar eclipse anticipated on September 7-8.
The upcoming full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will occur on Saturday, August 9. It will be the second full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Reflections on Lunar Exploration
The Buck Moon’s appearance offers a moment to reflect on humanity’s history of lunar exploration. On July 21, 1969, astronaut Michael Collins captured an iconic image of the lunar module Eagle returning from the moon’s surface during the Apollo 11 mission. This photograph, taken from the Columbia command module, shows the Earth in the background, with Collins being the only human not visible in the image. He remained alone in orbit for 22 hours while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon.
“The sight of the full moon rising is a reminder of our connection to the cosmos and the wonders of space exploration,” said Dr. Emily Carter, an astrophysicist at the Space Science Institute.
As we prepare to witness the Buck Moon, it serves as a reminder of both the natural rhythms of our planet and the extraordinary achievements of human ingenuity. Whether viewed from a bustling cityscape or a serene countryside, the Buck Moon invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
Looking ahead, the celestial calendar promises more exciting events, including the upcoming Sturgeon Moon and future lunar eclipses. As we continue to explore and understand our universe, each full moon offers a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos.