A guide to observing the July 2025 Buck Moon

In July 2025, skywatchers will have a great opportunity to see a full moon: the Buck Moon. The name comes from the time when North American male deer (bucks) begin to grow antlers, and it also indicates the frequent occurrence of summer storms. It is sometimes called the Thunder Moon. This article will detail the observation time, viewing tips and related astronomical phenomena of the Buck Moon in 2025.

Date and time: July 10, 2025, 4:36 Beijing time (GMT 20:36).

Observation tips: Although the full moon occurs in the early morning, the actual viewing time is after sunset, when the moon rises above the horizon. For example, in New York City, the moon rises at about 8:53 pm.

Best viewing time: On the evening of July 10, for a few hours after moonrise, the moon will appear larger than it actually is due to the phenomenon of the Moon Illusion.
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Where to Observe‌: Available from anywhere in the world, but times will need to be adjusted to suit local sunset times. It is recommended to consult websites such as in-the-sky.org or timeanddate.com for exact times.
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Observing Tools‌: For beginners, a telescope such as the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is recommended for basic astrophotography.
Astronomical Phenomena and Features
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Low Moon‌: Due to its proximity to the summer solstice, the July full moon will appear particularly low in the sky, due to the moon’s relatively low trajectory as the summer sun hangs high. In 2025, this phenomenon is exacerbated by the Major Lunar Standstill phenomenon, which places the moon in an even more extreme position in the night sky.
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Color Variation‌: Shortly after the moon rises, it may take on a golden or reddish hue, due to Rayleigh scattering of light as it passes through the atmosphere, the same cause of the colors of sunsets and sunrises.
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Apollo 11 Memorial‌: July also marks the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon. Astronomy enthusiasts can celebrate this historic moment by using telescopes to locate the Apollo-era landing sites on the moon.

The “Buck Moon” in July 2025 is not only an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty, but also an opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of astronomical phenomena and cultural traditions. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or a novice trying observation for the first time, you can find your own fun and gains in this full moon observation. Remember to plan your observation plan in advance according to the sunset time and weather conditions in your area and enjoy this rare astronomical feast.