Full Moon July 2025: Tomorrow night, July 10, will be another full moon. And not just any one, the July moon, also called the “Buck Moon.” If you look outside at night, you'll see her slowly rising in the eastern sky. And you probably think the same thing as thousands of others: How can that moon be so big?
No, it's not a supermoon. No, he's not getting any closer. But it will look gigantic. And that's because of something that has nothing to do with the moon itself.... but everything to do with your own head.
Why does the full moon July 2025 seem so big?
When the moon is just rising, just above the horizon, it looks huge. Much bigger than when it is high in the sky. This is a well-known phenomenon, and it has nothing to do with the distance from the moon. It's just an optical illusion. Your brain compares the moon to buildings, trees or rooftops on the horizon - and therefore it appears much larger than it really is.
Once the moon is higher in the sky, that effect disappears. Then you see it as it really is: a big, bright disk - still impressive, but less “wow.”.
So do you really want to experience that big moon? Then you need to get outside in time. Around sunset on Thursday, July 10, is the time.
What makes this July full moon so special?
We are in the middle of summer. The days are long, the nights are short. And that means the moon, when full, stays low above the horizon. So in July, it does not rise high in the sky as it does in winter, but stays a bit “hanging” just above houses or trees.
And that is exactly why it is SO photogenic: orange, low, large, and perfect for an evening walk, a snapshot with your smartphone or a moment on the balcony with a glass of wine.
For the Netherlands on Thursday night, July 10, 2025, comes the Full moon on around 10 p.m. local time (CEST). The exact time may vary by a few minutes depending on your location in the country:
- In the eastern part of the Netherlands (e.g., Enschede): around 21:57
- In the middle (e.g., Utrecht): round 22:01
- In the west (e.g., The Hague): around 22:04
“THE time” to see that big, orange moon peaking above the horizon is thus between 9:55 p.m. and 10:10 p.m., depending on where you are. Be ready 15 minutes earlier in a spot with an unobstructed view to the east, preferably with no buildings or trees on your line of sight.
Want the exact time for your location? Then you can check it for free through apps like:
The Bucks Moon?
Yes, the July full moon has a nickname: the Buck Moon. This comes from ancient times, when people divided their year according to full moons. At this time, male deer began to grow their new antlers. That was a sign that summer was really on its way - and so people called this moon the “Buck Moon.”.
You don't have to remember the name. But don't say you've never heard it when someone asks you, “Do you know the name of this moon?” 😉
What can you expect when you go to see?
- The moon rises in the east, around sunset. In the Netherlands, that's Thursday evening around ten o'clock. (As of 22:27 Dutch time, the moon is clearly visible)
- Look for a place with unobstructed views, such as a dike, field, beach or open balcony.
- Big chance that the moon orange or red colors, especially if it's a bit hazy.
- And yes: he seems real huge. Especially when you see it rising just above a building or tree.
Nice idea: don't just look
Take someone outside with you. Your partner, children, neighbors or just yourself with a telescope/binoculars. Set up a folding chair and watch the moon slowly creep up together. You don't need expensive equipment to experience this.
But do you want to see more details? Think craters, dark spots, or the difference between the northern and southern hemispheres of the moon? Then a simple telescope or binoculars will do.
Want to see more than just a pretty globe?
With the naked eye, the moon is already beautiful. But if you want to see the details like craters, lunar seas, or the difference between the light and dark sides of the moon, binoculars or telescopes are a revelation. In fact, the moon is the easiest and most impressive object to start with.
At Telescope.co.uk we have several models in stock that are especially suitable for moon viewing. Consider:
- ✓ Telescope kits for beginners (including filters for moonlight)
- ✓ Smart telescopes that automatically track the moon
- ✓ Binoculars with large field of view, ideal for children or first observations
Ordered before 23:59? Then you will receive it within 48 hours, just in time for the next moon!
Tip for photos with your phone
Use a little zoom, tap the lunar disk to get your exposure right, and put a building or tree in the picture to enhance the contrast. This will make the moon look even bigger. And want to really get it right? Wait until the moon peeks just above the horizon. That is the moment.
In conclusion
July's full moon, the Bok Moon, is not a rare natural phenomenon. But one of the most beautiful moments of summer to pause, look up, and feel something of what has fascinated us for thousands of years: that one, silent, luminous orb in the night sky. Want to know why the moon is not a planet? Read the blog here!
So: don't schedule anything for Thursday night. Put a reminder in your phone. And look up.
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