The moon will make a striking appearance in the southeast sky on Thursday evening, around 9 p.m. local time, in both Washington D.C. and San Francisco. However, local times may vary slightly depending on your specific location. As the evening progresses, the moon will dip low into the southwest sky around dawn on Thursday, remaining above the horizon for about an hour longer into Friday morning.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the moon, conditions appear most favorable in the western states, parts of Texas, the South, and the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, widespread cloudiness may obstruct views in areas such as the Upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Even in these cloudy regions, it's often still possible to catch fleeting glimpses of the moon. Overall, summer moon viewing is generally easier compared to other times of the year, as clouds are likely to dissipate at night without the influence of daytime heating.
To maximize your nighttime sky gazing experience, it's recommended to allow your eyes approximately 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Additionally, seek out locations with minimal light pollution to enhance your view. Comfort is also key, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the evening. Interestingly, the brightness of the full moon often negates the need for eye acclimation, allowing for an immediate appreciation of its beauty. Structures such as buildings can provide especially stunning backdrops for moonlit photography.
Around the time of the full moon, the celestial body will still appear nearly full for about a day on either side of the peak illumination. This offers some flexibility for those who might miss the exact moment of full brightness. According to EarthSky, a fascinating aspect of this particular full moon is that its path in the sky mimics the sun's daytime trajectory from six months earlier, or will do so six months from now.
This July full moon, often referred to as the Buck Moon, is notable for being the farthest full moon from the sun during the year, as our nearest star reaches its maximum distance from Earth at the beginning of July. The low position of the moon in the sky this time of year offers a unique visual experience—making it appear closer and larger due to optical illusions. This low-riding nature also enhances the color of the moon, as it travels through more atmosphere and haze compared to when it is higher in the sky.
Beyond the captivating full moon, July offers additional opportunities for sky watchers. Bright planets like Venus and Saturn will be visible throughout the month, and late July brings the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower. Additionally, this is an excellent time of year to spot the International Space Station as it sails across the night sky.
