The moon changes each night, well, from our perspective it does anyway. This is because of the lunar cycle, a recurring series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The

This year's buck moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, July 10, 2025. While that timing means it won't be visible in its fullest phase for many viewers until after sunset, the moon will still appear nearly full and luminous throughout the evening and is best caught shortly after moon rise.

Astronomy enthusiasts have another reason to look up this summer as July’s full moon — known as the “Buck Moon” — is set to illuminate the night sky. The full moon set to rise on July 10, 2025.