Get ready for the 'moon illusion.' July's full moon to appear low in Michigan skies
The buck moon, set to peak July 10, comes a week after Earth reached its farthest point from the sun in its orbit, according to Live Science. Thus, the July full moon will also be at its farthest point from the sun as well.
The moon will appear low in the night sky this week, 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."
The National Weather Service predicts chances of partly cloudy skies throughout most of the state overnight July 10, with the full moon likely to be visible at moonrise.
Look up in the evening sky to see the buck moon, set to appear full July 9 and 10, and visible as it rises above the horizon at night.
Here's what to know:
How low will the full moon appear?
July's full moon will look quite low in the sky after sunset, Space.com says.
This comes as the sun appears high in the sky during the day following the summer solstice. Also, the rare major lunar standstill sees the sun's gravity impact the moon's orbit in relation to Earth, making it appear especially low.
Why does the moon look yellowish near the horizon?
The moon tends to have a more yellow or orange hue near the horizon than when it's high overhead, NASA said.
"This happens because the Moon's light travels a longer distance through the atmosphere. As it travels a longer path, more of the shorter, bluer wavelengths of light are scattered away, leaving more of the longer, redder wavelengths. (Dust or pollution can also deepen the reddish color)," NASA explained.
How did the buck moon get its name?
The name buck moon comes from bucks, or male deer, reaching their antlers' full-growth during this season, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
When does the full moon peak in July 2025?
The full moon will peak at 4:37 p.m. on July 10, 2025.
While high or low clouds are expected in various areas across Michigan overnight July 10, forecasters expect the buck moon to remain visible in most regions in the early part of the night, per the weather service.
Is the buck moon a supermoon?
No, the buck moon is not a supermoon.
What phase of the lunar cycle is the moon in now?
The moon is currently in its waxing gibbous phase, at 95% illumination, according to Space.com. The moon's next phases in July 2025 are:
Full Moon: July 10
Last Quarter: July 17
New Moon: July 24
Where can you watch the buck moon in Michigan?
Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.
The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
In Port Austin, Port Crescent State Park.
In Clayton, Lake Hudson Recreation Area.
In Carp Lake, Wilderness State Park.
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are international spots. And, finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an international sanctuary.
When is the next full moon after July?
The sturgeon moon will peak Aug. 9, 2025.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Moon illusion will make buck moon appear larger as it illuminates Michigan skies
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