This week, skygazers have the perfect opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of the full moon, also known as the buck moon. This month’s full moon will reach its peak illumination at approximately 4:37 p.m. ET on Thursday, as reported by EarthSky. However, during this time, the moon will be below the horizon for many in North America. To catch the best views, enthusiasts are encouraged to step outside a few hours after sunset, as suggested by The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Historically, the July full moon is referred to as the buck moon due to its association with the period when male deer, or bucks, experience rapid antler growth. This tradition is rooted in the practices of indigenous tribes and reflects the themes of the summer season. For instance, the Cree tribe, primarily located in Canada, recognizes this moon as the molting moon, symbolizing the time when birds shed their feathers. Similarly, the Tlingit tribe from the Pacific Northwest Coast refers to it as the salmon moon, indicating the seasonal migrations of salmon.
For the best experience while viewing the full moon, find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, as advised by NASA's Noah Petro, chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory. It is crucial to avoid areas with bright lights, which can hinder the visibility of the moon's grandeur.
While no planets will be visible during the full moon, stargazers can look forward to the appearances of Venus, Jupiter, and Mars later in the month, according to NASA. On July 21 and 22, Venus and Jupiter will grace the early morning sky, shining low on the horizon just before sunrise. These planets will be accompanied by the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters, as well as the bright star Aldebaran. Early risers should seize this opportunity to witness this mesmerizing celestial display.
In a special highlight for the month, Mars will be visible next to the crescent moon on July 28, appearing prominently during the first hour or two after sunset. This July also marks a significant milestone: the 60th anniversary of the first successful flyby of Mars by NASA’s Mariner 4 spacecraft in 1965, which provided humanity's first images of another planet from space.
As we look ahead, there are five more full moons scheduled for this year, with exciting supermoons expected in October, November, and December. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, here’s a list of the remaining full moons to watch for in 2025:
October Full Moon November Full Moon December Full MoonFurthermore, two notable eclipse events will occur as summer winds down. A total lunar eclipse will be observable on September 7 and 8 from various locations including Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, parts of eastern South America, Alaska, and Antarctica. A lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes into Earth’s shadow, causing it to appear darker or dimmed. When the moon aligns perfectly in the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, sunlight filters through, giving the moon a reddish tint, commonly referred to as a “blood moon,” according to London’s Natural History Museum.
Just two weeks after the total lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse will take place on September 21, visible in parts of Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Antarctica. These celestial events promise to provide captivating experiences for all enthusiasts.
