The full moon of July is set to rise on July 10, 2025, offering a spectacular opportunity to witness an optical phenomenon known as the Moon illusion. During this event, the moon will appear exceptionally large when it ascends close to the horizon. This optical effect occurs due to the way our brains perceive the moon’s size in relation to other objects near the horizon.
The full moon in July is commonly referred to as the Buck Moon, a name derived from the antlers growing on male deer during this time of year in North America. At this moment, the moon will navigate the sky at a shallow angle after sunset, influenced by its proximity to the summer solstice when the sun shines at its highest point in the sky.
This year, the Moon illusion will be especially pronounced due to a rare phenomenon called a Major Lunar Standstill, which happens every 18.6 years. During this period, the moon’s orbit tilts at its most extreme angle relative to Earth’s celestial equator, causing the moonrise and moonset points to reach their farthest distance along the horizon. The relationship between the moon’s orbit and the Earth’s orbit around the sun adds further complexity to its apparent height in the sky. The moon’s orbit is inclined at about five degrees to the ecliptic, leading to variations in its position.
A full moon occurs when the moon is positioned directly opposite the sun in the sky, creating a fully illuminated view from Earth. As this celestial event approaches, observers are encouraged to look to the horizon just after sunset to fully appreciate this exceptional display. The Buck Moon’s name also reflects the thunderous summer storms associated with July in various areas of the United States, further emphasizing the significance of this time of year. Individuals interested in astronomy or simply looking for a picturesque moment would do well to seek out this incredible lunar spectacle, which combines natural beauty with optical phenomena and cultural history.
-Raja Aditya
