The July full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will grace our skies on Thursday, July 10, 2025, reaching its peak illumination at 4:37 PM EDT (20:37 GMT). This celestial event offers a perfect opportunity for both casual stargazers and astrophotography enthusiasts to witness one of nature's most captivating displays.
Buck Moon 2025: Key Information
- Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
- Peak Illumination: 4:37 PM EDT (20:37 GMT)
- Moonrise: Around sunset in your local time zone
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Visibility: All night, appearing especially low in the sky
- Special Feature: Occurring during a Major Lunar Standstill year
Why Is It Called the Buck Moon?
The name "Buck Moon" originates from Native American tribes, particularly the Algonquin people, who used lunar cycles to track seasonal changes. July is traditionally when male deer (bucks) begin to grow their new antlers, shedding the velvet from their previously grown set. This natural cycle made the July full moon an important marker for hunting and agricultural planning.
The July full moon is also known by several other names, each reflecting different cultural perspectives and natural phenomena occurring during this time:
Thunder Moon
This name reflects the frequent thunderstorms that occur during the hot summer months of July in North America, when afternoon thunderstorms are common in many regions.
Hay Moon
A reference to the hay harvest that traditionally takes place in July, when farmers would cut and store hay for winter animal feed, marking an important agricultural milestone.
Feather Molting Moon
Named for the time when birds begin to shed their old feathers, a natural process known as molting that typically occurs after the breeding season.
Salmon Moon
Used by some Pacific Northwest tribes to mark the time when salmon swim upstream to their spawning grounds, a crucial food source and cultural event.
2025's Buck Moon: A Special Occurrence
The 2025 Buck Moon is particularly special because it occurs during a Major Lunar Standstill, a phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years when the moon's orbit reaches its maximum inclination relative to Earth's celestial equator. This causes the moon to appear especially low in the sky during summer full moons in the Northern Hemisphere.
Additionally, this Buck Moon occurs in the zodiac sign of Capricorn, an Earth sign associated with determination and steadfastness. Astrologically, this placement is believed to emphasize themes of patience, perseverance, and the rewards of consistent effort.
"The Buck Moon in Capricorn serves as a reminder that growth—like the antlers of a deer—requires time and patience. It's a powerful moment to reflect on our own growth and the steady progress we've made toward our goals."
How to View the Buck Moon
The best time to view the July full moon will be in the hours following moonrise on July 10, when the lunar disk will appear larger than it actually is due to the "Moon Illusion." This optical illusion occurs when the moon is positioned close to the horizon, causing our brain to perceive it as larger than when it's higher in the sky.
For the most dramatic viewing experience, find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon at sunset. The moon will rise as the sun sets, and due to this year's Major Lunar Standstill, it will follow an unusually low path across the night sky.
Viewing Tips
- Find a dark location away from city lights for the best viewing experience.
- Bring binoculars or a telescope to observe lunar features like craters and maria (dark patches).
- For photography, use a tripod and a camera with manual settings to capture the moon's details.
- Look for the moon's golden or reddish hue when it's near the horizon, caused by light traveling through more of Earth's atmosphere.
- Check your local moonrise time, as it varies depending on your location.
Astronomical Significance
From an astronomical perspective, the July 2025 full moon coincides with several interesting celestial events. The moon will be positioned approximately 388,845 kilometers (241,617 miles) from Earth, slightly farther than its average distance, as it's just 6 days past apogee (the farthest point in its orbit from Earth).
This full moon also creates a spring tide—a period of higher-than-average high tides and lower-than-average low tides—due to the combined gravitational forces of the sun and moon aligned with Earth. Coastal areas may experience more pronounced tidal effects during this time.
Other Celestial Events in July 2025
July 2025 offers several other astronomical events worth noting:
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 15 | Moon-Saturn Conjunction | The moon will conjoin with Saturn in the sign of Pisces. |
| July 20 | Moon-Venus Conjunction | The moon will join Venus in the sign of Taurus. |
| July 22 | Moon-Jupiter Conjunction | The moon will conjoin with Jupiter in the sign of Gemini. |
| July 29-30 | Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower | Peak viewing with 27% moon illumination, offering good visibility. |
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Full moons have held spiritual and cultural significance across civilizations throughout history. The Buck Moon in particular is associated with themes of growth, transformation, and the fruition of efforts—much like the growing antlers of the buck that give this moon its name.
In many spiritual traditions, the July full moon is considered a powerful time for building inner strength and resilience. Its occurrence in Capricorn in 2025 is seen as especially significant, as this zodiac sign represents determination and the rewards of persistent effort.
Full Moon Rituals and Practices
- Moonlight Meditation: Sitting under the full moon to reflect on personal growth and set intentions.
- Moon Bathing: Spending time outdoors under the moonlight, believed to promote healing and renewal.
- Journaling: Writing down accomplishments and goals, especially focusing on long-term aspirations.
- Crystal Charging: Placing crystals under the moonlight to cleanse and energize them.
- Nature Connection: Taking a nighttime walk to connect with nature under the full moon's illumination.
Looking Ahead: The Next Full Moons of 2025
After the Buck Moon, the lunar calendar continues with these upcoming full moons:
August 9: Sturgeon Moon
Named for the large sturgeon fish that were more easily caught during this part of summer in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.
September 7: Harvest Moon
The full moon closest to the autumn equinox, providing extra light for farmers to harvest their crops late into the night.
Conclusion
The Buck Moon of July 2025 offers a special opportunity to connect with the rhythms of nature and the cosmos. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, this full moon promises a memorable celestial display.
As you observe the Buck Moon rising on July 10, take a moment to reflect on your own growth and the steady progress you've made toward your goals—much like the buck growing its antlers, a symbol of strength, regeneration, and the cyclical nature of life.
