When is the next full moon? Best time to view the buck moon from Texas in July 2025

IreneSci/Tech2025-07-109310

One of the lowest-hanging full moons of the year will rise this week in the sign of Capricorn.

This creates an interesting moon rise, where it will appear low in the sky, giving it an unnaturally large appearance known as the moon illusion.

"Photographs prove that the moon is the same width near the horizon as when it's high in the sky, but that's not what we perceive with our eyes," NASA says. "Thus, it's an illusion rooted in the way our brains process visual information. Even though we've been observing it for thousands of years, there's still not a satisfying scientific explanation for exactly why we see it."

Here's everything to know about July's buck moon and what it means.

When is the full buck moon in Texas in July 2025?

Date: Thursday, July 10

Peak Illumination: 3:37 p.m. CT

Peak illumination does not always coincide with the best viewing time, which occurs after the sun has fully set.

Peak illumination marks the moment when the full moon is perfectly opposite the sun in the sky, reaching its maximum brightness. However, since the moon rises in the east as the sun sets in the west, it won’t be fully visible until after sunset. In some cases, peak illumination can even occur in the morning or midday, making those times less ideal for viewing.

Find specific times of moonrises and moonsets in your zip code on the Old Farmers' Almanac website.

Why is it called the buck moon?

The buck moon is named for the full-grown antlers of male deer, or bucks, during this time of year. Other names are thunder moon and hay moon.

What does it mean when a full moon falls on a special occasion?

When a full moon coincides with a significant event, it is often regarded as a powerful symbol.

For a birthday, it can signify emotional growth and new beginnings. A wedding under a full moon is thought to bring harmony, love and good luck. A birth on a full moon may suggest that the child has strong emotional depth and intuition. In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.

When a full moon coincides with the death of a loved one, it can represent closure and transition. The full moon is often associated with endings and completions, making it a poignant time for letting go. Some believe it offers a sense of emotional clarity, helping loved ones find peace and healing.