July 2026 Buck Moon Peaks as Precursor to August 12 Total Solar Eclipse

July’s Buck Moon: A Celestial Marker

The name “Buck Moon” is most commonly used in North America, referencing the time of year when male deer, or bucks, grow their new antlers. According to the Almanac, the moon is also known by the Cree people as the Feather Moulting Moon and by the Tlingit people as the Salmon Moon.

For observers in North America, the best views are expected as the moon rises in the southeast during dusk on July 29. While the moon reaches its exact full phase at 10:37 a.m. EDT that day—while still below the horizon in North America—it will appear full throughout the evening. Observers are encouraged to find elevated locations, open fields, or coastlines with clear views of the southeastern horizon to witness the moonrise.

The Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

Following the Buck Moon, the lunar cycle will lead into a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. This event is considered one of the most prominent sky events of the year. During the eclipse, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun, casting a dark central shadow that will sweep from the Arctic to the Mediterranean.

The path of totality for this eclipse includes:

• Northern Russia
• Eastern Greenland
• Western Iceland
• The Atlantic Ocean
• Northern Spain
• A small northeastern corner of Portugal

Near Iceland, the period of totality is expected to last up to approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds. During this phase of totality, the sun’s corona—its faint outer atmosphere—becomes visible to the naked eye. While the path of totality is specific to these regions, much of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada, and parts of the northern United States will experience a partial solar eclipse.

Experts emphasize that during all partial phases of the eclipse, the use of certified eclipse glasses or solar filters is essential.

Observing Safety and Related Events

The August 12 event also coincides with the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, which is scheduled to occur overnight on August 12-13.

The July Buck Moon represents the eighth of 13 full moons scheduled throughout 2026. Because the moon produces no light of its own, the full moon phase occurs when the satellite is positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, allowing the entire near side to be fully illuminated.

For those planning to view the Buck Moon on July 29, timing varies by location. In New York City, sunset is expected at 7:50 p.m. EDT with moonrise at 8:33 p.m. EDT. In Los Angeles, sunset is projected for 7:57 p.m. PDT, followed by moonrise at 8:18 p.m. PDT. Observers are reminded that if they watch the moon rise the night before the peak, it will be visible while the sky is still bright, whereas rising the night after the peak will occur much later when the sky is already dark.

For further details on the 2026 lunar calendar, astronomy enthusiasts can track the remaining full moons of the year, including the Sturgeon Moon in August and the Harvest Moon in September.