Context:

July's full buck moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. ET on Thursday, though North American viewers will best see it after sunset. Known as the buck moon due to the rapid growth of male deer antlers, this full moon also carries names like the molting moon and salmon moon from Indigenous tribes reflecting summer changes. Viewing conditions are best with an unobstructed eastern horizon and minimal light pollution. Later in July, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will be visible, with Mars appearing near the crescent moon on July 28. Two eclipses, a total lunar and a partial solar eclipse, are also anticipated as summer concludes, providing additional celestial phenomena to observe.

Dive Deeper:

• The buck moon, reaching fullness on Thursday at 4:37 p.m. ET, is best viewed in North America a few hours after sunset due to its position below the horizon during peak time.

• July's full moon is traditionally called the buck moon as it coincides with the period when male deer antlers grow rapidly, while Indigenous names like the molting and salmon moons reflect seasonal changes in nature.

• Optimal moon viewing requires an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and avoiding bright lights, enhancing the experience of its near-full appearance across several nights.

• Planetary alignments later in July include Venus and Jupiter visible before sunrise on July 21 and 22, and Mars appearing near the crescent moon just after sunset on July 28.

• The 60th anniversary of Mars' first flyby by NASA's Mariner 4 is celebrated this July, marking a milestone in space exploration with the first images of another planet.

• Five more full moons will occur in 2025, including supermoons in October, November, and December, offering additional opportunities for lunar observation.

• September will feature two significant eclipses: a total lunar eclipse visible in several continents and a partial solar eclipse, where the moon partially obscures the sun, visible in parts of the Southern Hemisphere.