Latest news with #MajorLunarStandstill
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
July's ‘Buck Moon': When to see the full moon and how it gets its name
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Head outside after the sun sets Thursday and you might catch a glimpse of a spectacular sight rising in the night sky. The full 'Buck Moon' will rise on Thursday, July 10, reaching peak illumination at 4:36 p.m. EDT, according to the Farmer's Almanac. Sea turtle photobombs family photoshoot to lay eggs The moon will be below the horizon at that time but should be visible in the southeastern sky just after sunset. This year will be particularly special due to a phenomenon known as a 'Major Lunar Standstill,' according to The phenomenon occurs once every 18.6 years when the sun's gravity affects the moon's orbit and makes it appear especially high or low in the sky, depending on the time of year. It will be low this year and may even take on a golden or reddish hue due to rays of light having to travel father through Earth's atmosphere. So why is it called the Buck Moon? Like many moon names, it is derived from North American tribes who took notice of things happening in the natural world around them. Male deer, or bucks, shed and regrow their antlers each year, and July's full moon rises at the same time the animals' antlers are in full growth mode, according to the Farmer's Almanac. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Buck Moon: What is it and how to watch it across the Gulf
The Buck Moon rises low over the Gulf horizon, drawing skywatchers across the region for a rare and golden lunar spectacle/Representative Image TL;DR: July 10 marks the 2025 Buck Moon: a 'micromoon' occurring near Earth's aphelion, making it one of the farthest and lowest full moons of the year. In the Gulf region especially the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the best time to observe it is right after sunset, facing southeast. Skywatching gatherings at popular outdoor venues and planetariums across Gulf nations will amplify the experience, blending astronomy with local culture. Gulf's Gateway to the Skies This July 10, the Gulf's night sky will stage a spectacular event: the Buck Moon; July's full moon, named after the time male deer grow new antlers coincides this year with Earth's aphelion, making it the furthest full moon from the sun in 2025. That means it'll hang exceptionally low in the sky, mesmerizingly orange at moonrise thanks to atmospheric effects What Makes This Buck Moon Unique? Micromoon marvel: Its occurrence near aphelion places it the most distant from the sun this year yet appearing larger and more golden around the horizon. Major Lunar Standstill effect: Occurring every 18.6 years, this astronomical phenomenon exaggerates how low the moon appears further deepening its horizon-hugging appearance. Best Viewing Spots in the Gulf UAE: Jumeirah Beach & Al Qudra Lakes Groups are organiSing open‑air gatherings, bring binoculars or use smartphone apps like SkyView or Star Walk to track the moon's rising in the southeast. Al Qudra also offers minimal light pollution for clearer views. Qatar: Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre Join starwalkers equipped with telescopes and insightful guides. The setting sun over the Arabian Gulf adds flair to the moonrise. Oman: Wahiba Sands Desert Camps Bedouin-style overnight camps are hosting 'moon soirees': astronomy sessions, traditional stories, and Q&A with local astronomers amidst sweeping sands. Saudi Arabia: AlUla UNESCO Observatory Nights AlUla's desert observatory, partnering with local universities, is hosting a 'Buck Moon' open night, spot the moon, planets like Mars and Saturn, and capture stunning desert-moonrise photos. Best Time and Way to Watch Skygazers in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait can witness the moonrise shortly after sunset, generally visible around 9:30 p.m. local time. The southeastern horizon will offer the clearest view, especially from places with minimal light pollution. For an enhanced experience, astronomers recommend heading to elevated locations or wide-open beaches. Using apps like Star Walk or Sky Guide can help pinpoint the moon's position in real time, and a pair of binoculars can add depth to the view. But even the naked eye will capture its burnt-orange glow, especially as it begins to rise. Why the Buck Moon Matters to Gulf Stargazers A merging of science & tradition: This cosmic event resonates uniquely with Gulf communities. Observation nights often feature poetry readings, cultural storytelling, and family sessions under the moonlit desert sky. Astronomy as tourism magnet: Locations like AlUla, Qurum, and Fujairah are increasingly branding themselves as astro-tourism hubs drawing visitors and boosting local night-sky awareness. Educational push: Planetariums in Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi are using the event to launch STEM workshops and amateur astronomer training, nurturing a new generation of Gulf sky enthusiasts. How to Prepare for the Night Check the weather: Clear skies are essential. Coastal spots usually have milder haze than inland deserts. Choose a low-horizon vantage point: Rooftops, beaches, or desert locales with open eastern views are best. Bring tech-savvy tools: A smartphone app + monocular/binoculars = enhanced viewing. Join an event: Public astronomy events often include local astrophysicists who'll guide you to spot nearby Mars or Saturn, which often accompany the full moon. Capture it well: Use a DSLR or smartphone with tripod; timing the moonrise yields dramatic horizon shots with desert or city silhouettes. Unlike global coverage focused on folklore or pure science, Gulf coverage emphasises community telescope events, urban-to-desert transition, and astro-tourism opportunities. It's not just about spotting a moon, it's about invoking cultural pride, educational momentum, and tourism synergy.
Jordan News
19-06-2025
- Science
- Jordan News
Astronomical Start of Summer Next Saturday - Jordan News
Astronomical Start of Summer Next Saturday The head of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, Dr. Ammar Al-Sakaji, confirmed that the summer solstice for this year will occur at 5:42 a.m. on the upcoming Saturday, according to the local time of the Kingdom. He noted that this moment marks the astronomical beginning of summer in Jordan and in the Northern Hemisphere. اضافة اعلان In a statement made on Thursday, he explained that the summer season will last for 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes, ending with the autumnal equinox on September 22. On the day of the solstice, Jordan will experience the longest day and the shortest night of the year, as the time between sunrise and sunset reaches its maximum. This phenomenon is observed in most countries located north of the equator, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day of the year concurrently with the winter solstice. He pointed out that the summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its maximum northern declination in its apparent path around the Earth — that is, when it is at its highest point in the sky. During this time, Earth's axis is tilted most directly toward the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, causing the sun's rays to be directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. He added that after this day, the sun will begin to shift apparently southward in its annual journey, passing through the autumnal equinox in September before continuing to its southernmost point during the winter solstice on December 21. Dr. Al-Sakaji also noted that this year's summer solstice coincides with a rare astronomical event known as the "Major Lunar Standstill" (Lunistice), a cycle that occurs once every 18.6 years. During this cycle, the moon reaches its extreme northern or southern declination in its apparent orbit around Earth. He explained that this cycle causes a noticeable change in the moon's path across the sky, as it rises and sets from points far from the usual east and west, tilting toward the north or south. This deviates from the moon's typical movement pattern. He also pointed out that the moon appears lower in the sky during some of its phases, especially during the full moon, as observed during the June 11 full moon, when the moon appeared clearly tilted toward the southern horizon with a noticeably lower orbital height. This shift in the moon's path contrasts with the sun's position during the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, rising from the far northeast and setting in the far northwest. Dr. Al-Sakaji considered this contrast between the movements of the sun and the moon a rare opportunity for astronomical observation, emphasizing that ancient civilizations used such phenomena in the design of their temples and monuments, and relied on them for agricultural timing and calendar systems, as these astronomical moments served as highly significant reference points. He noted that the Jordanian Astronomical Society monitors these events annually by tracking sunrise and sunset times, measuring astronomical angles related to the sun's movement, and observing its apparent path from various locations in Jordan for scientific and documentation purposes, in order to enhance public awareness of astronomy. Petra News Agency
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
June full moon 2025: What time is tonight's strawberry moon? Here's when, how to watch
June's full moon, also known as the rare strawberry moon will rise tonight next to the bright red Antares star in the constellation Scorpius during a Major Lunar Standstill. Here's what it all means. Wednesday's special strawberry full moon will be the lowest full moon in decades because we are near what's called a Major Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years when the moon's orbit is tilted at its maximum angle, reaching its highest and lowest points in the sky. Here's what to know about June's full strawberry moon, the moon phases and the summer solstice. The strawberry moon will reach peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. on June 11, 2025, according to the Almanac. To catch a glimpse, find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon. Click here to see moonrise and moonset times in your area. 🌓 First Quarter: June 2. 🌕 Full Moon: June 11. 🌗 Last Quarter: June 18. 🌑 New Moon: June 25. Similar to April's pink moon, June's strawberry moon gets its name from the seasonal berry harvest, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Ripening berries are traditionally ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. Albeit, while strawberries are in fact a reddish-pink color, the color of the moon is not reflective of the 'strawberry' name, but rather it gets its reddish glow when it is closer to the horizon and the light rays pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere. The June solstice will mark the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as it heralds the start of the new season of summer, which this year will begin at 10:42 p.m. ET on June 20, 2025. The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will be visible on July 10, 2025. This article originally appeared on June full moon 2025: What time will strawberry moon be visible tonight
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Can you still view the strawberry moon? Why is moon so low in sky? When is next full moon?
Miss this week's "strawberry" full moon? The full moon peaked at 3:30 a.m. June 11, but prime viewing will continue in Bucks County Wednesday night when the full moon rises at 9:25 p.m. in our southeast skies. It is the lowest full moon in decades because we are near what's called a Major Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years when the moon's orbit is tilted at its maximum angle, reaching its highest and lowest points in the sky. This accounts for the lateness of its rise in the night sky. June 12's rise will occur even later, at 10:15 p.m. Thursday night. June's full moon, also known as the rare strawberry moon, appeared this week next to the bright red Antares star in the constellation Scorpius during a Major Lunar Standstill. Here's what to know about June's full strawberry moon, the moon phases and the summer solstice. The strawberry moon reached peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. on June 11, 2025, according to the Almanac. The moon appeared bright and full on Tuesday night, June 10, and will again be visible June 11 in the clear skies over Bucks County until setting at 5:15 a.m. June 12. To catch a glimpse, find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon. Click here to see moonrise and moonset times in your area. 🌓 First Quarter: June 2. 🌕 Full Moon: June 11. 🌗 Last Quarter: June 18. 🌑 New Moon: June 25. Similar to April's Pink Moon, June's Strawberry Moon gets its name from the seasonal strawberry harvest, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Ripening berries are traditionally ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. While strawberries are of course a reddish-pink color, the color of this moon phase is not derived from the 'strawberry' name, but this year it coincidentally has a reddish glow since it is closer to the horizon and the light rays pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere. The June solstice will mark the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as it heralds the start of the new season of summer, which this year will begin at 10:42 p.m. ET on June 20, 2025. The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will be visible on July 10, 2025. USA Today trending reporter Maria Francis contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Can you still view strawberry moon? Why is moon so low in the sky?
