If you love looking up, July’s Buck Moon and the March 2025 total lunar eclipse are the two big shows coming up. Both are free, need no gear, and give you a chance to see the sky do something unusual.
That August‑ish full moon isn’t just a regular round light. It’s called the Buck Moon because the meat industry once used it to time deer hunting. This year it shows up lower on the horizon, so you’re looking through more of Earth’s atmosphere. The extra air scatters blue light and lets more red wavelengths pass, which makes the moon look orange‑red. When the moon is close to the horizon it also looks larger – a trick your brain plays on you called the “moon illusion.”
To get the biggest view, find a spot with a clear view of the western sky after sunset. A park bench or a backyard works fine. Set a timer on your phone for about an hour after the moon rises; that’s when it’s low enough to look huge and the colors are strongest. If you have a camera, use a zoom lens or even a smartphone and a tripod – the red tint makes for cool photos.
The next total lunar eclipse happens on March 17 2025. It’s called a Blood Moon because the Earth’s shadow turns the moon a deep red. The event is best seen from the Americas, but anyone in the right time zone can watch at least part of it.
Totality starts at 2:26 a.m. ET and ends at 3:31 a.m. ET. That means you’ll need to stay up late or set an alarm. No special equipment is required – just your eyes. If clouds are a problem, check the weather forecast the night before and move to a higher spot if needed.
For the safest view, avoid looking directly at the sun before the eclipse begins – that can damage your eyes. Once the moon moves into Earth’s shadow, you can look straight at it. If you have binoculars, they’ll make the red detail stand out, but they’re not necessary.
After the eclipse, keep an eye on the sky for a few minutes. The moon will gradually return to its normal color as the Earth’s shadow slides away. That’s a great time to snap a few quick shots before the night ends.
Both the July Buck Moon and the March 2025 Blood Moon are perfect reasons to step outside and check the sky. No fancy gear, just a bit of curiosity and maybe a blanket to stay comfortable. So mark your calendar, set a reminder, and enjoy the natural light show. The universe likes to put on a show – all you have to do is look up.
July’s full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will appear larger, redder, and lower in the sky than usual this year. This phenomenon is the result of the moon's position, atmospheric effects, and timing. Many skywatchers are preparing for a striking lunar display that is as much about physics as it is about folklore.
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The night's skies will light up with a Blood Moon during the total lunar eclipse of March 2025. Best seen across the Americas, this celestial event requires no special gear. Totality peaks between 2:26 a.m. and 3:31 a.m. ET, though clouds might challenge those in the Northeast U.S. Those missing this can look forward to the next one in June 2029.
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