As the sun dips below the horizon this evening, the moon will rise—low, golden, and glowing with secrets. But tonight’s full moon isn’t just any full moon. It’s a cosmic convergence of rare lunar events that skywatchers won’t see again for years.
Tonight, July 10, 2025, the full “Buck Moon” graces the skies, reaching its peak brilliance at exactly 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT). While peak illumination occurs during the day, viewers across the U.S. will see the moon rise in stunning form just after sunset—around 8:53 p.m. local time in New York, varying by location. Be sure to check local timings using trusted sites like timeanddate.com for the best view in your area.
What’s So Special About This Buck Moon?
This year’s Buck Moon isn’t just about beauty—it’s a cocktail of rare orbital conditions.
- It’s the farthest full moon from the sun in all of 2025, thanks to its timing near Earth’s aphelion—the point when our planet is farthest from the sun in its elliptical orbit.
- It also rises unusually low in the sky, due to its proximity to the summer solstice, when the sun is high and the moon takes the opposite path.
- What’s more, a phenomenon known as the ‘Major Lunar Standstill’ is in play. Caused by the moon’s tilted orbit and the gravitational tug of the sun, this standstill pushes the moon to track an even lower arc—making tonight’s lunar rise feel especially dramatic and close to the horizon.
Why “Buck Moon”?
The nickname “Buck Moon” comes from a natural rhythm on Earth: July is when male deer begin growing their antlers, covered in velvety skin. But this moon has other names too:
- “Thunder Moon” – from the loud summer storms that boom across the skies this time of year.
- “Hay Moon” – a nod to European farmers gathering hay during the midsummer harvest.
Each name tells a story of seasonal change and human connection to the sky above.
What Will You See?
As the full moon rises, it’ll appear large and richly colored—often yellow or orange—thanks to its low angle near the horizon.
Unlike quarter moons, the full moon lacks dramatic shadows. Still, it’s a perfect opportunity to explore surface features:
- Lunar maria (dark basaltic plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions)
- Ejecta rays (bright streaks from impact craters like Tycho)
- Historic Apollo landing sites, especially meaningful this July, which marks 56 years since Apollo 11’s moon landing.
With a decent pair of binoculars or a 6-inch telescope, viewers can trace the legacy of space exploration across the moon’s surface.
Want to Capture the Magic?
If you photograph tonight’s moon, Space.com welcomes submissions. Send your best shots, location, and any personal notes to spacephotos@space.com for a chance to be featured.
Tonight’s Buck Moon isn’t just another date on the lunar calendar. It’s a reminder that our skies are alive—with cycles, mysteries, and moments of wonder that connect us to the natural world and the cosmos beyond.
So if skies are clear where you are—step outside, look up, and let the moonlight tell its story.
