As the sun sets tonight, sky enthusiasts across the UAE will be treated to a spectacular cosmic show — the Buck Moon, the first full moon of the astronomical summer and one of the lowest in the sky this year.
This particular full moon rises at a unique time when the moon’s path appears especially close to the horizon. Residents can spot it glowing in its full glory between 7:12 PM on July 10 and 4:44 AM on July 11, best viewed from a spot with a clear view of the southeast skyline.
What is the Buck Moon?
The term “Buck Moon” comes from seasonal patterns observed in nature. During July, male deer (bucks) begin to rapidly grow new antlers — a process that happens at an incredible rate of up to an inch per day. This seasonal behavior inspired early Native American tribes and colonial farmers to name the full moon of July accordingly.
Known by Many Names Around the World
Depending on cultural and regional traditions, the July full moon goes by several other names:
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Thunder Moon – referencing summer thunderstorms
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Berry Moon or Raspberry Moon – linked to mid-summer fruit harvests
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Hay Moon, Mead Moon, Herb Moon – tied to agricultural traditions in Europe
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Molting Moon – named by the Cree people of Canada
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Salmon Moon – used by the Tlingit people of Alaska, marking seasonal salmon migration
Why This Year’s Buck Moon Is Unique
What sets this Buck Moon apart is its alignment with a Major Lunar Standstill — a rare celestial event that takes place roughly once every 18.6 years. Caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, this alignment results in an unusually low trajectory of the moon across the sky.
Because of its low position near the horizon, viewers in the UAE may notice the moon appearing larger, more golden, or even reddish. This phenomenon — often referred to as the “moon illusion” — occurs due to how our eyes perceive objects close to the horizon and the way Earth’s atmosphere scatters light.
Stargazing Tips for UAE Viewers
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Choose a location away from city lights to enhance visibility.
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The moon will appear in the Sagittarius constellation, a prominent summer star group.
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Use binoculars or a telescope for a clearer view of the moon’s texture.
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Capture the moment with a good camera — the reddish hue may make for stunning photos.
Full Moon Calendar 2025 – What’s Coming Next?
According to astronomical predictions, here are the upcoming full moons for the rest of the year:
| Date | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| August 9 | Sturgeon Moon | — |
| September 7 | Corn Moon | — |
| October 6 | Harvest Moon | — |
| November 5 | Beaver Moon | Supermoon |
| December 4 | Cold Moon | Supermoon + Lunar Eclipse (Visible in UAE) |
Mark your calendars for December 4, when the Cold Moon will also bring a total lunar eclipse, visible in the UAE. During the eclipse, the moon could appear deep red, commonly known as a “Blood Moon”.
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