Summer is officially in full swing and with it comes a feast of astronomical events for enthusiastic stargazers and casual observers alike.
Eclipses, meteor showers and opportunities for planet viewing are among the space phenomena we can expect to see in the coming months, with July’s full moon coming up next on the list.
Like other full moons throughout the year, July’s has a nickname, the “Buck Moon,” believed to have been originally conceived by the indigenous peoples of North America.
Hoping to catch a glimpse? Here’s what to know.
When is July’s full moon?
July’s full moon, often called the “Buck Moon,” will occur on July 10, 2025.
In Oklahoma City, it is expected to rise just before 9 p.m and will remain out until 6:12 a.m. on July 11, 2025.
More: Milky Way season is here: How can you see our galaxy’s core from Oklahoma this summer?
Why is it called a ‘Buck Moon?’
Like other colloquial names for moon phases and astrological events, the “Buck Moon” is named after a significant natural phenomenon that happens around the time it appears full in the sky. The term likely originated with local native American tribes, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
July’s full moon coincides with the time during which the antlers of male deer, known as bucks, are growing after their annual shed. While they begin sprouting in spring, they are at the peak of the process during this time, growing as fast as one-fourth of an inch per day, or one-and-a-half inches per week during this period.
Other common names for July’s full moon include the “Thunder Moon,” “Salmon Moon” and “Berry Moon.”
What’s the best way to see the Buck Moon?
A full moon can be seen clearly with the naked eye. To see the Buck Moon, stargazers can look toward the southeast when the sun goes down.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When is the July full moon? Here’s how to see the Buck Moon