Buck moon to be visible tomorrow night: What is it and how to spot it
The buck moon represents the first full moon of July each year. This moon usually appears brighter than usual and lower than usual. This is due to its proximity to the summer solstice, a biennial event where one of Earth's poles is tilted toward the Sun at its most extreme angle. The summer solstice causes the Sun to be at its highest position in the daytime sky, causing the moon to take its lowest path in the night sky.
The July buck moon is also frequently on the same day as Guru Purnima, the festival celebrating teachers and wisdom. This is due to Guru Purnima being the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which aligns with July's first full moon on the Gregorian calendar.
The term 'buck moon' traces back to the Algonquin people, a tribe of Native Americans who used the moon cycles to track natural cycles. The buck moon got its name, as male deers (also known as bucks) would begin regrowing their antlers around the time of the first full moon.
This moon is also called the 'thunder moon' by other Native American tribes, as it was an indication of seasonal thunderstorms observed at this time in parts of the US. Another name given by American tribes is also 'salmon moon', due to it being at the approximate time salmon begin their seasonal migration and begin swimming upstream.
This year's buck moon occurs just a week after Earth reached aphelion – the time when Earth's orbit is farthest from the Sun. This means that it will be the farthest full moon from the Sun in 2025.
This buck moon will also be the lowest buck moon in recent times. This is due to a rare phenomenon known as 'Major Lunar Standstill', that occurs when the Sun's gravity pulls the moon to its most extreme incline relative to the celestial equator of the Earth. This phenomenon occurs once every 18.6 years and is going to affect the buck moon as well.
The buck moon will likely have a reddish-gold hue soon after rising. This is caused by an effect called 'Rayleigh scattering', as sunlight that is reflected from the moon's surface travels a longer distance to Earth.
If the night offers clear skies and you use binoculars, you could see more features of the moon, such as the bright-rayed Tycho crater and the darker basalt plains.
To get the best experience of the buck moon, try to find a place with a clear view toward the southeast, as the buck moon will appear first in the southeast horizon. It is ideal to also find a location with clear skies and limited pollution in the air. While having access to a telescope could give the clearest sighting of the buck moon, some features will even be clear enough with binoculars or the naked eye.
With the Sun expected to set at 7:21 pm IST tomorrow, start observing the sky approximately 20 minutes after sunset, likely to be around 7:40 pm. That is when the buck moon will be first visible.
For the clearest viewing experience, it is recommended to view the buck moon at its peak, where it will appear the largest and seem to be directly overhead. This will occur at around 2:08 am.
(This article has been curated by Purv Ashar, who is an intern with The Indian Express)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
NASA to launch sounding rocket to study sun's chromosphere
Solar physicists will make a new attempt to observe the chromosphere of the sun, which is the most dynamic region. NASA, along with a team of international solar physicists, will launch a sounding rocket experiment on July 18 from New Mexico. Reddish in colour, the chromosphere is a region sandwiched between the sun's atmosphere (the million-degree corona) and the photosphere (the sun's visible surface). It is in the chromosphere where the solar flares, hot plasma jets, and powerful energy fluxes originate. The temperature variations recorded along this region can vary between 6000 degrees Celsius and over a million degrees Celsius. The suborbital sounding rocket experiment will last under ten minutes. On board will be the Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) – a solar gazing spectrograph. a solar-gazing spectrograph solar gazing spectrograph. 'SNIFS is a first-of-its-kind solar instrument and the first ultraviolet integral field spectrograph ever flown to study the Sun. It will observe a magnetically active region on the Sun and capture high-resolution spectroscopic data from both the chromosphere and the transition region — in real time,' Souvik Bose, co-investigator of the mission, told The Indian Express. The SNIFS stands out among the heliophysics missions to study the chromosphere, as scientists will now be able to obtain a full 2D field of view, along with being able to extract a complete spectrum for every pixel in that field, thus making it a 3D data set for each moment in time. SNIFS will target the hydrogen Lyman-alpha line — the brightest line in the solar ultraviolet spectrum and one of the most powerful diagnostics for upper chromospheric conditions. 'From this, we can calculate temperatures, velocities, and densities of the solar plasma,' Bose said and further added, 'It's a dynamic, complex interface through which nearly all the energy that ultimately heats the corona must pass.' So, if we want to solve the long-standing puzzle of why the solar corona is so hot, we must first understand what is happening in the chromosphere.' The instrument comprises a Gregorian-style reflecting telescope, combined with a spectrograph via a specialised mirrorlet array that will focus on the light from each spatial location in the image. This is so that it may be spectrally dispersed without overlap from neighbouring locations. Solar physicists have noted the several challenges in observing the chromosphere and why this belt has remained elusive from detailed studies so far. Due to its composition, which is ionised plasma (a mix of charged and neutral particles), it behaves very differently in the presence of magnetic fields, and secondly, it does not adhere to the assumptions of thermodynamic equilibrium. Modelling the chromosphere has been an uphill task. But it is only an improved understanding of the chromosphere which will help scientists better understand the solar corona. The chromosphere is cooler but denser than the corona. 'This means that the chromosphere rapidly loses energy and will need a continuous supply of energy in order to stay active. Only if there is an understanding of how this energy is supplied and dissipated will it help us piece together the larger story of how the solar corona is heated,' said Bose, who is currently a research scientist at the Lockheed Martin Solar & Astrophysics Lab in California. The main agencies involved in this mission are scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Colorado and Queen's University Belfast, UK.
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Vasuki Indicus: New King Of Giants Unearthed In Indias...., Dethrones Titanoboa; Check Its Massive Size, Weight, Fossil Pics
photoDetails english Vasuki Indicus Real Photos by IIT: Those who know about Lord Shiva, also knows about the revered snake Vasuki. Known as the snake that Lord Shiva wears around his neck, Vasuki was the son of the sage Kashyapa and the serpent queen Kadru, as per Hindu mythology or belief. As per Hindu scriptures, Vasuki was of unprecedented size and weight. In the modern era, for decades, the colossal Titanoboa held the undisputed title of the largest snake to have ever roamed Earth, with its impressive length of up to 42 feet. However, a groundbreaking discovery in Gujarat has potentially rewritten this chapter of paleontological history. Updated:Jul 16, 2025, 08:42 PM IST Vasuki Indicus Length, Weight 1 / 7 Fossils unearthed along the Kutch coast reveal an ancient serpent, now named Vasuki Indicus, estimated to have measured a staggering 49 feet long and weighed nearly 1,000 kilograms. This monumental find, the result of nearly two decades of dedicated research by scientists from IIT Roorkee, not only challenges our understanding of prehistoric megafauna but also draws a fascinating link to the mythical serpent Vasuki Naag from ancient Indian scriptures. Let's delve into the remarkable details of Vasuki Indicus: Vasuki Indicus: Scale, Size 2 / 7 The sheer scale of Vasuki Indicus redefines what was thought possible for ancient snakes. With length around 49 feet, it is a strong contender for the longest snake to have ever lived, potentially exceeding the previous record holder, Titanoboa. Based on the dimensions of its vertebrae, which measure between 38 to 62 millimeters in length and 62 to 111 millimeters in width, researchers infer that Vasuki Indicus possessed a broad, cylindrical body, similar to modern-day large pythons or anacondas. Vasuki Indicus Fossil 3 / 7 The story of Vasuki Indicus began with the discovery of its ancient remains, meticulously studied and identified over many years. The fossils were initially unearthed in 2005 at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Researchers recovered 27 mostly well-preserved vertebrae. Due to their massive size, the bones were initially thought to belong to a large crocodile, highlighting the extraordinary scale of this ancient serpent. Vasuki Indicus Age 4 / 7 Vasuki Indicus is estimated to have lived during the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago, a time characterized by a warm global climate conducive to the growth of large cold-blooded reptiles. Vasuki Indicus belongs to an extinct lineage of giant snakes, offering insights into their evolutionary history. Vasuki Indicus Real Reconstruction 5 / 7 Though a complete skeleton of Vasuki Indicus has not been found, scientific analysis of its vertebrae allowed for remarkable reconstructions and insights into its lifestyle. The size and distinctive features of the recovered vertebrae were instrumental in estimating the snake's overall length and weight. Vasuki Indicus Mythology 6 / 7 The naming of this newly discovered species highlights a fascinating connection between ancient Indian lore and modern scientific discovery. The name "Vasuki Indicus" is a direct reference to Vasuki Naag, the revered mythical serpent from Hindu scriptures, often depicted as a divine ornament around Lord Shiva's neck. Vasuki Indicus vs. Titanoboa 7 / 7 It's a battle of the beasts. Vasuki Indicus, with an estimated maximum length of 49 feet, potentially surpasses Titanoboa's maximum reported length of 42 feet. While Vasuki Indicus is estimated to be around 1,000 kg, Titanoboa has been estimated to weigh slightly more, up to 1.25 tonnes.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Do cobras really have 'Nagmanis'? The truth behind the snake pearl myth
Source: Geology In Have you ever come across the term "Snake Pearl" or "Nagamani" and wondered if such a mystical object could truly exist? Rooted in centuries of folklore, especially in South Asia, Nagamani has long captivated believers and skeptics alike. Said to be a rare, glowing gem found in the heads of cobras, this legendary object is often associated with divine power, protection, and fortune. Despite its presence in myths, movies, and spiritual beliefs, scientific investigations tell a very different story. Explore the origins, alleged powers, and controversies surrounding the mythical Nagamani. What is a Nagamani or snake pearl The term Nagamani comes from Sanskrit — where "Naga" means snake and "Mani" means gem or jewel. According to traditional beliefs, this mystical pearl is said to form inside the head of venomous snakes, most commonly cobras. Legends claim it glows in the dark and bestows immense spiritual and material power to its possessor, including protection from evil, healing powers, and incredible luck. Do cobras really have Nagmanis According to Geology In, the idea that cobras possess a glowing gem called Nagamani in their heads has long fascinated believers across India and Southeast Asia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 요즘 SNS에서 핫한 그 반지, 기부로 받을 수 있다고? 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo However, modern science firmly rejects this claim. Biologically, cobras do not have the anatomical ability to form pearls—unlike mollusks. Scientific analyses of so-called "snake pearls" reveal they are often gallstones or mineral concretions, not true gemstones. These formations may occur inside snake bodies, but they lack any supernatural properties. The enduring myth of Nagamani stems more from cultural symbolism and folklore than scientific fact, illustrating humanity's deep desire to assign mystery and meaning to nature's creatures. Mythology behind Nagamani or snake pearl In Hindu mythology and regional folklore, snakes are not just reptiles — they're divine beings. Nagas are often worshipped and believed to hold secrets of the universe. The Nagamani is said to be a jewel they guard or possess. Stories often describe snake charmers or ascetics receiving the Nagamani as a reward from a mystical serpent for their devotion. It is also portrayed in temples, mythological texts, and even Bollywood films as a divine, glowing gem of untold power. Why do people believe in Nagamani Spiritual significance: In many cultures, snakes symbolize protection, wisdom, and hidden power. Media influence: Films and TV shows like Naagin have sensationalized Nagamani legends. Oral traditions: The myth is passed down through generations, especially in rural India and Southeast Asia. Symbolism: It serves as a metaphor for hidden strength and the supernatural. Snake Pearls are believed to: Glow in the dark Detect poison Change colour with mood or danger Heal physical or spiritual ailments Attract wealth or good fortune Some even claim that possession of a Nagamani can make someone immortal or allow communication with divine beings. Why modern science debunks the myth of Nagamani Modern herpetologists and gemologists agree on one thing — no biological process supports the existence of a pearl inside a snake's head. Snakes do not have the anatomy to produce pearls, unlike mollusks. Some so-called 'snake pearls' examined by scientists have turned out to be gallstones or mineral concretions (similar to kidney stones). These may form naturally around debris inside a snake's body but hold no magical properties. A few specimens presented as 'Nagamani' have been analyzed and found to consist of a mix of organic material, calcium, and protein, but none qualify as gems or pearls under scientific standards. The myth of Nagamani holds power beyond science While the physical existence of Nagamani is highly questionable, its cultural power is undeniable. It serves as a symbol of: Hidden strength or divine reward The mystique of nature and the animal world Human fascination with the unknown In this way, Nagamani behaves more like a mythical talisman than a geological object — powerful not because it exists, but because it has been believed in for centuries. Despite countless stories and portrayals, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of the Nagamani. It is most likely a product of folklore, symbolism, and cultural storytelling — possibly originating from rare stones found in snake carcasses and misidentified as mystical objects. Also Read | Simpsons prediction of Labubu doll goes viral: Video sparks fear about creepy toy's dark origins
