Skywatchers can look forward to the July full moon, known as the Buck Moon, which will rise on the evening of July 10, 2025. This year’s event is particularly notable due to a rare combination of orbital characteristics that will influence its path across the sky.
The moon will reach peak illumination at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) and will become visible as it ascends above the southeastern horizon around sunset. Since the exact time of moonrise depends on an observer’s specific location, it is advisable to check a local astronomical calendar for precise timings.
July’s full moon is commonly called the Buck Moon, a name tied to the time of year when male deer begin to grow new antlers. It is also known as the Thunder Moon, referencing the frequent summer storms, and in parts of Europe, as the Hay Moon, which marks the July harvest.
A Unique Celestial Alignment
The 2025 Buck Moon offers a unique viewing opportunity due to several distinct orbital factors. Occurring near the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest, the full moon will naturally follow a low trajectory across the southern sky.
This effect will be amplified by a “Major Lunar Standstill,” a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years. During a standstill, the moon’s tilted orbit reaches its maximum inclination relative to Earth’s equator, causing it to trace an exceptionally high or low path depending on the season.
Additionally, this will be the closest full moon to aphelion—the point in Earth’s orbit when our planet is farthest from the sun. While this proximity to aphelion will not produce a visible effect, it makes the July 2025 full moon the most distant from the sun for the year.
What to See on the Lunar Surface
When the moon is full, Earth is positioned directly between it and the sun, fully illuminating the lunar surface from our vantage point. This provides an excellent opportunity to observe its features without the stark shadows seen during other phases.
Viewers can trace the dark, expansive lunar seas, or maria—vast basaltic plains formed billions of years ago by ancient lava flows. Bright streaks known as ejecta rays, which are reflective material cast out from major impacts, can also be seen radiating from large craters like the prominent Tycho crater in the southern lunar region.
The event also provides a chance to commemorate a landmark in human exploration, as July 2025 marks the 56th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. With a good pair of binoculars or a small telescope, observers can identify the general locations of all six Apollo crewed landing sites.
