Don't Miss Tonight's Buck Moon! A Rare Lunar Spectacle Awaits!
Skywatchers, get ready! Tonight, the July full moon, known as the 'Buck Moon,' will grace our skies, offering a celestial spectacle you won't want to miss. This year's Buck Moon on July 10, 2025, promises to be particularly special due to a combination of orbital mechanics and the fascinating 'moon illusion'.
What Makes the Buck Moon Special?
The full moon reaches peak illumination at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) on July 10, becoming visible as it rises over the southeastern horizon around sunset. Check timeanddate.com or in-the-sky.org for precise timings in your location.
The Buck Moon gets its name from the time of year when male deer (bucks) begin growing their antlers. It's also called the 'Thunder Moon,' referencing the summer storms common during this period, and the 'Hay Moon' in Europe, as it coincides with the hay harvest.
The Moon Illusion: A Trick of the Eye
This year, the Buck Moon will appear unusually low in the sky, creating the 'moon illusion.' This phenomenon makes the moon seem larger near the horizon than when it's higher in the sky. NASA explains that this is a trick of perception, as photographs prove the moon's size remains constant. Scientists are still exploring the exact reasons behind this illusion, which has been observed for millennia.
Why is the Moon So Low?
The low appearance of the Buck Moon is due to the sun's high position in the sky following the summer solstice. Furthermore, Earth reached its farthest point from the sun a week prior to the Buck Moon's peak, making this full moon the farthest from the sun this year. This contributes to its lower trajectory across the night sky.
Viewing Conditions
The National Weather Service predicts partly cloudy skies for many areas tonight, but the full moon is still likely to be visible at moonrise. So, find a spot with a clear view of the horizon and prepare to witness the beauty of the Buck Moon.
Consider a Telescope!
Want to enhance your viewing experience? Consider using a telescope! Something like the Celestron NexStar 8SE is great for astrophotography and seeing details you might otherwise miss.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Buck Moon and the captivating moon illusion. It's a reminder of the wonders of the universe and the fascinating ways our minds perceive it.