Buck Moon Rises: A July 2025 Celestial Event
Get ready for a breathtaking celestial event! This July, the full Buck Moon will grace our night skies, offering a spectacular show for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. This stunning lunar display occurs when the moon is positioned directly opposite the sun, resulting in a fully illuminated lunar disk.
Understanding the Buck Moon
A Name with History
The July full moon earns its name, the Buck Moon, from Native American traditions. During this time of year, male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their antlers. Consequently, the moon’s name reflects this natural phenomenon. It’s also sometimes called the Thunder Moon, acknowledging the frequent summer thunderstorms that often occur in July.
A Unique Positioning
Furthermore, this year’s Buck Moon holds a special significance. It follows closely after Earth’s aphelion— its farthest point from the sun in its orbit. This makes the July Buck Moon the most distant full moon from the sun in 2025!
Observing the Buck Moon
When and Where to Look
The official peak of the Buck Moon will be at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) on July 10th. However, you’ll need to wait for sunset to see it rise. The exact moonrise time will vary depending on your location. For instance, in New York City, moonrise is anticipated around 8:53 p.m. local time.
Low in the Sky, Big in Impact
Interestingly, the Buck Moon will appear unusually low in the sky after sunset this year. This is because of its proximity to the summer solstice, when the sun is highest. This effect is amplified in 2025 due to a ‘Major Lunar Standstill‘, a rare event occurring every 18.6 years that influences the moon’s orbit.
A Colorful Display Awaits
Shortly after rising, you might see a lovely golden or reddish hue basking over the Buck Moon. Rayleigh scattering causes this warm color because, when the sun is low on the horizon, light travels a longer distance through Earth’s atmosphere than when it is directly overhead.
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