The Brief
- The Full Buck Moon rises on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 9:36 a.m. central time.
- It’s so named because bucks grow a new set of antlers around this time.
- The best time to view the full moon is after sunset.
MILWAUKEE – As the sun sets on Tuesday, July 28, skywatchers across Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin will have the opportunity to witness one of summer’s most recognizable celestial events—the Full Buck Moon.
What is a Buck Moon?
What we know:
The Buck Moon is the traditional name given to July’s full moon because this is the time of year when male deer, known as bucks, begin growing a new set of antlers. The name has been used for generations by Indigenous communities and was later adopted into the traditional Farmer’s Almanac naming system. Other July names include the Thunder Moon, recognizing the frequent summer thunderstorms, and the Hay Moon, marking the hay harvest season.
It has a peak illumination on Wednesday, July 29, at 9:36 a.m. CDT. The best time to watch would be shortly after sunset as it rises in the night sky.
Moon information
Big picture view:
A full Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun. As a result, the entire Earth-facing side of the Moon is illuminated by sunlight, creating the bright, circular appearance we see in the night sky.…