Unlock the Magic of July’s Full Buck Moon: Everything You Need to Know to Experience Its Peak!

Skygazers, get ready! This week, the full moon will be shining bright. It’s called the “buck moon” this month, and it reaches its peak at 4:37 p.m. ET on Thursday. For those in North America, the best views will be after sunset.

Noah Petro from NASA’s Planetary Laboratory shares, “The full moon looks full for about a day on either side, so if you miss it on the 10th, the 11th is still great for viewing!”

The buck moon has historical roots. It’s named after the time of year when male deer grow their antlers. Different cultures have unique names for this full moon. For instance, the Cree tribe refers to it as the molting moon, marking when birds lose their feathers. Meanwhile, the Tlingit call it the salmon moon, celebrating seasonal salmon migrations.

To catch the full moon, choose a spot with an open view of the eastern horizon. Avoid bright lights to enhance your experience.

Later this month, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will grace the night sky. On July 21 and 22, you can spot Venus and Jupiter low on the horizon just before sunrise, along with star clusters like the Pleiades. If you’re an early bird, this is a lovely morning view.

Mars will be prominent next to a crescent moon on July 28, visible shortly after sunset. Speaking of Mars, there’s a special anniversary this month: it marks 60 years since NASA’s Mariner 4 made history with the first successful flyby of Mars in 1965, capturing stunning photos of the red planet.

There are five more full moons coming this year, with supermoons expected in October, November, and December. Here’s a quick list of remaining full moons for 2025:

• August 9: Sturgeon moon
• September 7: Corn moon
• October 6: Harvest moon
• November 5: Beaver moon
• December 4: Cold moon

As summer ends, two exciting eclipse events will take place. A total lunar eclipse will occur on September 7 and 8, visible across Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. During such eclipses, the moon can take on a reddish hue, often called a “blood moon.”

Two weeks later, on September 21, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Australia, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. This occurs when the moon blocks part of the sun, creating a striking crescent shape.

Eclipses and full moons are wonderful reminders of our connection to the universe. They spark curiosity and wonder—join in and enjoy the show!

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