July's full moon rises in Indiana soon. Here the best time to watch it in Indianapolis
Less than a week after fireworks light up Indiana's night sky, a different celestial object will brighten your evening: the full moon. The Milky Way is also visible from now through August so long as you can find a dark enough spot to view it.
Here's what skywatchers should know.
When is the full moon in July 2025?
Thursday, July 10, 2025, is when the full Buck Moon charges its way into the night sky,according to NASA.The moon's phases in July are:
🌓First Quarter: July 2.
🌕Full Moon: July 10.
🌗Last Quarter: July 18.
🌑New Moon: July 24.
Story continues after photo gallery.
What time is the full moon in July 2025 for Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, moonrise for the Indianapolis area will happen by roughly 9:39 p.m. Thursday, July 10, crossing the meridian at 1:19 a.m. before setting at 5:46 a.m. Friday.
You cancheck moonrise and moonset times for your zip codeby visiting the Old Farmer's Almanac online.
Will skies be clear in Central Indiana during the full moon?
Skies around Central Indiana could be cloudy Thursday night, July 10, with temperatures around 68 in the evening, according to an advanced forecast from AccuWeather. Midwest weather tends to be fickle, however, so keep your fingers crossed for clearer skies.
And in case you miss it Thursday, look up again Friday or Saturday night, when the moon will still be 99% and 97% full, respectively.
Why is it called the full Buck Moon?
A male deer, or buck's antlers were in full growth mode around this time in July, writes the Old Farmer's Almanac. Other names for July's full moon from Native American tribes include the Salmon Moon, Thunder Moon, and Halfway Summer Moon.
Spotting the Milky Way: These are the best locations to see it in Indiana
The Milky Way rises in the southern sky during an astrophotography workshop at Fort Griffin State Historic Site June 7, 2024The Milky Way can best be viewed somewhere far away from bright city lights. Find a dark, safe spot out in the country where you can see more stars in the sky.
If possible, head to Beverly Shores, near Gary, which is anInternational Dark Skylocationand therefore an excellent place for stargazing. You can also travel toKemil Beachat Indiana Dunes State Park andDr. T.K. Lawless County Parkin Michigan, which also are designated dark sky locations, according toDarkSky International.
According to NASA, traces of the Milky Way will appear as a "faint, cloud-like band arching across the sky toward the south."
Need help finding stars, planets and constellations? Try these free astronomy apps
The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.
SkyView LiteforiPhone|Google Play
Star Walk 2foriPhone|Google Play
Star ChartforiPhone|Google Play
NASAforiPhone|Google Play
When is the full moon in August 2025?
The full Sturgeon Moon should reach peak illumination by Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
When is the next full moon?: When every full moon shines in 2025. Dates, times and the history behind each name.
John Tuftscovers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip [email protected]. Find him onBlueSkyatJohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: July 2025 full moon: The best time to see it in Indiana
