Buck Moon: When and how to see July’s full moon in the UAE

Move over, Strawberry Moon. June’s done. It’s time for the Buck Moon in July.

Skygazers in the UAE can look towards the horizon today (July 10) to catch a glimpse of the full moon at its peak illumination. It will be the first full moon of the astronomical summer and one of the lowest-hanging moons of the year, according to Live Science.

A full moon occurs when the moon is positioned opposite the sun in the sky, causing it to appear fully illuminated from our perspective on Earth.

Traditionally, July’s full moon is called the Buck Moon because it coincides with the time of year when male deer, or bucks, begin rapidly growing their antlers, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. These antlers can grow up to an inch per day, reaching full size by late summer.

It’s also known as the ‘Thunder Moon’, a reference to the summer storms that often roll across parts of the US in July. This full moon is also known by other names in different cultures and regions, including the Berry Moon, Raspberry Moon, Hay Moon (English), Mead Moon, Wyrt Moon, and Herb Moon (Celtic).

Other traditional names from Indigenous tribes in North America reflect the summer season. The Cree, based primarily in Canada, know it as the Molting Moon, marking the time when birds shed their feathers. The Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest Coast refer to it as the Salmon Moon, signifying the seasonal salmon migrations.

This year’s Buck Moon is especially remarkable due to a Major Lunar Standstill, a rare orbital event that occurs once every 18.6 years. Caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun, this phenomenon affects the moon’s path in the sky — making it appear exceptionally low on the horizon this month.

As a result, the Buck Moon may take on a golden or reddish hue, caused by light scattering through Earth's atmosphere. This visual effect is known as the "moon illusion", according to NASA.

In the UAE, the best time to see the Buck Moon is between 7.12pm on July 10 and 4.44am on July 11.

This full moon will appear in the constellation Sagittarius, one of the best-known summer constellations in the Northern Hemisphere. Though it lacks bright stars, it remains a favourite among amateur stargazers.

Only June’s Strawberry Moon ranks lower on the horizon — enhancing both the apparent size and warm colour of the Buck Moon to the human eye.

According to The Farmers’ Almanac, here’s the full moon schedule for the remainder of the year:

Summer conjunctions

Autumn and Winter wonders

Total lunar eclipse — September 7–8

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, parts of South America, and Alaska. During the eclipse, the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow and may turn a deep reddish colour, earning it the nickname "Blood Moon".

Partial Solar Eclipse — September 21

Two weeks later, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Antarctica. The moon will block part of the sun, creating a crescent-shaped “bite” out of the solar disc, according to NASA.