Exact time you should look up to see orange Buck Moon light up Scotland's sky tonight
Last month's Strawberry Moon saw the lowest full moon on the horizon since 2006. But July welcomes a new special astrological event - the Buck Moon.
Another very low moon, the orange Buck Moon is a further distance from the sun than any other full moon of the year. This summer full moon is so low in the sky because it mirrors the sun's position, which just reached its highest point on the Summer Solstice, June 21.
The 'Buck Moon' is the name given for July's full moon every year, and it is named after the male deer, the bucks, of the summer season that begin to grow their antlers during this month.
This low moon may appear slightly orange or reddish in the sky, due to its closeness to the horizon. But as the Buck Moon rises in the sky tonight, when exactly can Scots see it, and where?
Here's everything you need to know.
Exact time to see the Buck Moon tonight
The full moon will grace our skies on Thursday, July 10 at 10.09pm, BBC Sky at Night reports. But as this moon is so low in the sky, it may be difficult to spot this evening.
The next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will rise on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Read on to find Scotland's ideal spots with an unobstructed horizon, which will give you a better chance at catching tonight's full moon - and any other low moons in future.
Best places in Scotland to spot the low Buck Moon
Beaches
A beach is one of the best places to go for an unobstructed horizon, and Scotland is home to many.
The best beach for stargazing, however, is Luskentyre Beach on the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. This beach's lack of light pollution has led to it being named one of the best in the whole of the UK for observing the wonders of the night sky.
For those on the mainland, almost any beach will be a great spot for catching the July Full Moon.
Plains
Perhaps harder to find in the rolling hills of Scotland, a grassy field or plain is another perfect choice of place for amateur stargazers to see the low-down moon tonight.
Large, flat areas of land are more commonly found in the lowlands of Scotland compared to the mountains of the Highlands. If you live nearby any farmland or wide open fields, you may be in proximity to a great viewing spot for the Buck Moon.
Mountains or hills
If you can't find any flat low land due to Scotland's vibrant landscape of rolling hills, you could consider climbing high enough that they won't obstruct the skyline. Scotland is home to countless hills, and some are particularly good for stargazing.
For those in proximity to Glasgow, Ballageich Hill is just 25 minutes away by car, and Conic Hill is a short climb near Balmaha that's around an hour away from the city.
However, if you're planning to climb a hill or mountain at night, it's vital to be well-equipped with good shoes, appropriate clothing, a torch (red-light torches are recommended to prevent disturbing wildlife) as well as a working phone in case of emergency.
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