Buck Moon coming this Thursday. Will skies be clear? Where to view it in Illinois

GunnerSci/Tech2025-07-094700

The full moon, nicknamed the Buck Moon, will be visible soon across the country, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Will skies be clear? When should you head outside to catch a glimpse?

Here's everything Illinois residents need to know about the upcoming full moon.

Why is it called Buck Moon?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac's names for the full moonscome from a variety of places, including Native American, colonial American and European sources, and they are traditionally applied to the entire lunar month.

The July full moon is called theBuck Moonbecause the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth during this time of year, according to the website.

When is July full moon in Illinois?

The full moon will rise on Thursday, July 10 at 8:58 p.m., cross the meridian at 12:34 a.m. and set at 4:57 a.m., according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Find the moonrise and moonset times for your ZIP code on the almanac's website.

Moon phases for July 2025

First Quarter: July 2, 2:30 p.m. CT

Full Moon: July 10, 3:37p.m. CT

Last Quarter: July 17, 7:38 p.m. CT

New Moon: July 24, 2:11p.m. CT

Will skies be clear in Illinois during full moon?

It's expected to be partly cloudy with a low around 68-69 degrees in central Illinois and Chicago, according to the National Weather Service.

Best spots to see Milky Way in Illinois

The 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.

State parks and campgrounds are yourbest bet for clear stargazing, in locations such as Campsite 26 at Apple River Canyon State Park and the Area 4 Parking Lot at Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. A full list of the best stargazing spots in Illinois can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.

For those in Chicago,stars will be more visibleon the city lakefront, the Palos Preserves in Willow Springs and the606 Trailat 1801 N. Ridgeway, according to a list compiled by the Adler Planetarium.

The milky way looms over the Everglades off the Tamiami Trail in the early morning hours of June 17, 2020. In Florida, the best time to view the milky way is April-September. It will be visible in the southern sky.