Buck Moon Brightens July Skies

Get ready to witness a celestial spectacle! On July 10th, the full Buck Moon will grace the night sky, promising a stunning view, particularly at dusk as it ascends.

Prime Viewing Time

Although the exact moment of the full moon is slated for 11:38 p.m. Bulgarian time, it will still be below the horizon then. For optimal viewing, look to the sky at dusk as the moon makes its way slowly to the southeast. Need to know the exact sunrise time for your location? Use an online moon calculator to pinpoint the moment.

Why This Moon Is Special

This month’s full moon will reside within the Sagittarius constellation, which sits low in the southern night sky. Even though this constellation isn’t known for super-bright stars, the full moon’s presence will add considerable drama to the view.

According to NASA, the best time to view any full moon is right after sunset or just before sunrise, when it sits lower on the horizon. The agency also suggests getting away from city lights to get the best view.

Geometry of the Seasons

July’s full moon ranks among the lowest of the year, second only to June’s Strawberry Moon. This is due to the geometry of the seasons: because the sun is high during summer, the full moon appears lower. On July 10, expect a lunar path similar to the winter sun’s—a shallow arc moving from southeast to south before setting in the southwest.

Optical Illusion

Near the horizon, the moon seems larger and more colorful, an optical trick known as the “moon illusion.” This isn’t a size change, but how our brains interpret objects alongside familiar earthly scenery.

A Touch of Mystery

Adding to its mystique, this July moon is the year’s farthest from the Sun, occurring just a week after Earth’s aphelion on July 3rd. The full moon will therefore seem more profound, cooler, and more distant.

Why “Buck Moon?”

This name comes from the traditional naming conventions of North America’s indigenous peoples. July is when male deer begin growing new antlers, which are covered in soft skin, symbolizing growth and renewal. Other names include “Moon of Raspberries,” “Salmon Moon,” and “Thunder Moon,” plus the English “Hay Moon” and Celtic “Mead Moon.”

Mark Your Calendar

Following the Buck Moon, the Sturgeon Moon will light up the sky on August 9th.

Capture the Moment

If the weather cooperates, July 10th presents a perfect opportunity for an evening stroll with your camera, or simply to watch with a cup of tea—a little bit of summer magic, courtesy of the sky.