Experience the Magic of the 2025 Buck Moon: Your Guide to July’s Full Moon As the summer heat envelops Texas, the night sky prepares to dazzle us with a celestial spectacle—the Buck Moon! On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will rise, marking the first full moon of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Whether you’re a stargazer, an astrology enthusiast, or simply someone who loves nature’s rhythms, this lunar event is not to be missed. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this stunning display, inspired by details from the El Paso Times.
What is the Buck Moon? The Buck Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, specifically tied to the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin sprouting new antlers. This natural phenomenon symbolizes growth, renewal, and the vibrant energy of summer. The name, popularized by the Maine Farmer’s Almanac in the 1930s, reflects the seasonal cycles of wildlife in North America. Other cultures have their own names for July’s full moon, such as the Thunder Moon (for summer storms), Hay Moon (linked to the harvest season), or even Salmon Moon and Raspberry Moon in various Native American traditions.
In 2025, the Buck Moon holds extra significance. It coincides with Guru Purnima in India, a festival honoring spiritual teachers, and occurs under the astrological sign of Capricorn, bringing themes of ambition, discipline, and legacy-building. This moon is also notable for being the farthest full moon from the sun in 2025, as it rises just days after Earth’s aphelion (its farthest point from the sun).
When and Where to Watch the Buck Moon in Texas The Buck Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. EDT (2:37 p.m. CDT) on July 10, 2025. While the moon won’t be visible at this exact moment in Texas due to its position below the horizon, the best time to catch it is shortly after sunset, when it rises in the southeast sky. In El Paso, sunset is expected around 8:15 p.m. MDT, with moonrise following at approximately 8:40 p.m. MDT. For precise moonrise times in your area, check a moonrise calculator like the one on TimeandDate.com.
This year’s Buck Moon will appear especially striking due to a phenomenon called the “Moon Illusion.” When the moon is low on the horizon, it looks larger and often takes on a golden or reddish hue due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that gives us vibrant sunsets. To maximize your viewing experience, find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, such as an open field, a hilltop, or an east-facing coastline. Avoid city lights to reduce light pollution, and check local weather forecasts for clear skies. For example, while New York City might face overcast conditions, cities like Chicago and Phoenix are expected to have fair visibility, and Los Angeles is predicted to have clear skies.
Why This Buck Moon is Special The 2025 Buck Moon is more than just a beautiful sight—it’s a celestial event with unique characteristics. Due to a rare “Major Lunar Standstill” that occurs every 18.6 years, the moon’s orbit will be at its most extreme tilt relative to Earth’s equator, causing it to hang unusually low in the sky. This makes the Buck Moon appear even larger and more dramatic as it skims the horizon. Combined with its proximity to aphelion, this full moon will be the farthest from the sun all year, adding to its allure.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance The Buck Moon carries deep cultural meaning across the globe. In addition to its Native American roots, it’s known as the Claiming Moon, Wyrt Moon, Herb Moon, or Mead Moon in Celtic traditions, reflecting midsummer harvests and herbal gatherings. In India, the Buck Moon aligns with Guru Purnima, a time to honor teachers and spiritual guides. For many, this full moon is a moment to pause, reflect, and set intentions for personal growth.
What is the Buck Moon? The Buck Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, specifically tied to the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin sprouting new antlers. This natural phenomenon symbolizes growth, renewal, and the vibrant energy of summer. The name, popularized by the Maine Farmer’s Almanac in the 1930s, reflects the seasonal cycles of wildlife in North America. Other cultures have their own names for July’s full moon, such as the Thunder Moon (for summer storms), Hay Moon (linked to the harvest season), or even Salmon Moon and Raspberry Moon in various Native American traditions.
In 2025, the Buck Moon holds extra significance. It coincides with Guru Purnima in India, a festival honoring spiritual teachers, and occurs under the astrological sign of Capricorn, bringing themes of ambition, discipline, and legacy-building. This moon is also notable for being the farthest full moon from the sun in 2025, as it rises just days after Earth’s aphelion (its farthest point from the sun).
When and Where to Watch the Buck Moon in Texas The Buck Moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. EDT (2:37 p.m. CDT) on July 10, 2025. While the moon won’t be visible at this exact moment in Texas due to its position below the horizon, the best time to catch it is shortly after sunset, when it rises in the southeast sky. In El Paso, sunset is expected around 8:15 p.m. MDT, with moonrise following at approximately 8:40 p.m. MDT. For precise moonrise times in your area, check a moonrise calculator like the one on TimeandDate.com.
This year’s Buck Moon will appear especially striking due to a phenomenon called the “Moon Illusion.” When the moon is low on the horizon, it looks larger and often takes on a golden or reddish hue due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that gives us vibrant sunsets. To maximize your viewing experience, find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, such as an open field, a hilltop, or an east-facing coastline. Avoid city lights to reduce light pollution, and check local weather forecasts for clear skies. For example, while New York City might face overcast conditions, cities like Chicago and Phoenix are expected to have fair visibility, and Los Angeles is predicted to have clear skies.
Why This Buck Moon is Special The 2025 Buck Moon is more than just a beautiful sight—it’s a celestial event with unique characteristics. Due to a rare “Major Lunar Standstill” that occurs every 18.6 years, the moon’s orbit will be at its most extreme tilt relative to Earth’s equator, causing it to hang unusually low in the sky. This makes the Buck Moon appear even larger and more dramatic as it skims the horizon. Combined with its proximity to aphelion, this full moon will be the farthest from the sun all year, adding to its allure.
Sources: El Paso Times, Space.com, Forbes, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Newsweek, The Economic Times
July Moon names from different cultures Raptor Moon (Hopi). Smoky Moon (Maidu). Ripe Moon (San Juan). Crane Moon (Choctaw). Claiming Moon (Celtic). Rose Moon (Neo Pagan). Peaches Moon (Natchez). Ducks Moult Moon (Cree). Ripening Moon (Mohawk). Grass Cutter Moon (Abernaki). Buffalo Bellow Moon (Omaha). Hungry Ghost Moon (Chinese). Ripe Squash Moon (Algonquin). Raspberry Moon (Anishnaabe). Salmon River moon (Wishram). Mead Moon (Medieval English). Middle Summer Moon (Ponca). Middle Summer Moon (Dakota). Red Berries moon (Assiniboine).
Young Corn Moon (Potawatomi). Buffalo Bellows Moon (Arapaho). Wild Red Cherries Moon (Sioux). Corn Popping moon (Winnebago). Ripening Moon (Passamaquoddy). Horse Moon, Ripe Moon (Apache). Summer Moon (Colonial American). Dropping Deer Horns Moon (Kiowa). Ripe Corn Moon, Hay Moon (Cherokee). Sun House Moon (Taos Native American). Claiming moon (Full Janic), Blessing Moon (Dark Janic). Little Harvest Moon, Blackberry Moon, Little Ripening Moon (Creek). Hay Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Summer Moon (Algonquin).
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