There are 12 full moons in 2025, and July will bring one that’s called the “Buck Moon.”
A full moon occurs — simply put — when the Earth falls between the sun and the moon, which results in the visible portion of the moon being lit by the sun.
If you’re a regular sky gazer, keeping track of celestial movements, or just curious this month, here is what you need to know about upcoming lunar activity and other planetary sightings in July.
When is the Full Buck Moon?
The next Buck Moon will arrive on Thursday, July 10, and is expected to be at peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. Eastern time, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Why is it called the Buck Moon?
Derived from Indigenous American, European and colonial American influences, moon names signify a connection to the natural world. In July, as part of a yearly renewal process, male deer grow new antlers at peak capacity after having shed the old horns at the end of the rutting season — hence lending the name Buck Moon.
Some other names for the July full moon are Thunder Moon, due to the thunderstorms, and Halfway Summer Moon. This moon is also called Berry Moon, Salmon Moon and Feather Moulting Moon.
How to see the Buck Moon in the Middletown area, and when will it rise?
Middletown residents and others in the mid-Hudson Valley can spot the rise of the moon above the horizon at 8:58 p.m. by looking in the southeast direction. The moon will set at 4:50 a.m., southwestward.
If you want to see surface details, you will need binoculars or a telescope. You can also use a digital camera.
What’s the weather forecast for Buck Moon day?
Long-range forecast by Climate Prediction Center shows normal or leaning-above-normal temperatures and precipitation levels for July 9-15.
What else can you see in the sky this July?
If you are interested in locating other planets and constellations in the sky in July, here’s what NASA recommends:
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: When is the next full ‘buck moon’? What to know about celestial events in July
Reporting by Vandana Saras, Middletown Times Herald- Record / Times Herald-Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
