The July 2025 Buck Moon: What Makes It Special?
Here’s something you won’t see every day: the Buck Moon of July 2025 is more than just your average full Moon. It gets its name from old traditions, since this is the time of year when male deer—also called bucks—start to grow new antlers. This full Moon will reach its peak at 4:37 p.m. EDT (that’s 9:37 p.m. in the UK), but you’ll get your first real look only after sunset, when the sky darkens and the Moon rises above the rooftops.
Unlike flashy supermoons, this one sits at the farthest point from the Sun in its orbit, making some call it a “micromoon.” Even if it looks a bit smaller to hardcore astronomers, it still shines brightly because of its unique position in space. On the night of July 10, the Moon will be 357,272 kilometers away from Earth—almost as far as it gets all year. Despite this distance, the bright face of the Buck Moon will flood the sky with silvery light.
UK Viewing Guide: When and Where to Look
In London and most of the UK, the Buck Moon will lift itself above the horizon at 9:45 p.m. BST. You’ll spot it in the south-southeast, parked in the constellation Sagittarius. If you want to go a step further, look near the famous “Teapot” asterism for an added bit of astronomical flair. The real show, though, starts about 10 p.m. and keeps going until midnight. That’s when the Moon climbs higher and shines its brightest, away from the thickest atmospheric haze down near the horizon.
Now, about that orange color—don’t fall for the hype. The Buck Moon isn’t turning into a pumpkin. If you do see a reddish or orange tint, it’s just the way the atmosphere bends and scatters light as the Moon rises low over the city skyline. As it gets higher, it returns to its classic creamy glow.
Weather always has the final say. Forecasts suggest the UK could see patchy clouds, but there should be plenty of clear patches. If you can, head outside with a clear view of the southern sky after dark. You don’t need fancy gear—a garden chair and your own eyes are enough. Photographers might want to try snapping the Moon when it’s still close to the horizon, as the scenery can make for stunning images.
- Date: Thursday, 10 July 2025
- Moonrise: 9:45 p.m. BST in London (slight regional variation across the UK)
- Best viewing: Between 10 p.m. and midnight
- Direction: South-southeast, in Sagittarius constellation
While astronomers often skip observing during the full Moon—since its glare washes out faint stars and details through telescopes—this is an event for everyone. The July 2025 Buck Moon promises a peaceful, awe-inspiring sight in the middle of British summer. So grab a jacket, cross your fingers for clear skies, and enjoy one of nature’s grandest light shows.
