Tonight's Sky Spectacle: Will the Buck Moon and Space Station Make a Dazzling Appearance? Discover if Your Location is Ideal to Witness This Cosmic Event
In July 2025, stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere have a unique opportunity to witness a remarkable celestial event - the simultaneous appearance of the Buck Moon and the International Space Station (ISS). Here's a guide on how to best prepare for this captivating spectacle.
## Best Practices for Spotting the ISS and Buck Moon
### 1. Timing and Planning
The Buck Moon, known for its appearance between July 9-11, will be at its peak around July 6th in 2025[1][4]. To catch a glimpse of the ISS, download apps like NASA's Spot the Station or ISS Detector to receive alerts about the ISS's visibility in your area[1][3]. July is an ideal month as the ISS can be seen multiple times a night, particularly around the summer solstice[2][4].
### 2. Location and Weather
The ISS is best viewed between latitudes 40°N to 60°N, where multiple passes can be observed in a single evening[2]. For the best view, ensure that the sky is clear and dark. The ISS appears as a bright, non-blinking star and is best seen during twilight hours when sunlight reflects off its solar arrays[1][3].
### 3. Tools and Resources
Utilise apps such as Spot the Station or ISS Detector to obtain precise timing and directions for viewing the ISS[1][3]. Additionally, use the Transit Finder tool to determine if the ISS will pass in front of the Moon (a transit), offering a rare and exciting viewing opportunity[4].
### 4. Photography Tips
If you're aiming to capture the ISS passing in front of the Moon, use a camera with video capability to record the event. Set up your camera before the predicted transit time to capture the moment accurately[4].
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of spotting both the ISS and the Buck Moon on the same night, potentially capturing a memorable transit event.
### Additional Information
The Buck Moon will be the furthest Moon from the Sun of the year, rising in the southeast around 10pm[1]. It will be a low, horizon-grazing full Moon, not rising very high above the southern horizon[1]. The further south in the Northern Hemisphere, the easier it will be to see the Buck Moon rise[1].
The ISS can pass in front of the Moon in an event known as a 'transit', and it can be seen up to four times a night around the summer solstice period[2]. To see the ISS, you need a good, dark sky[3]. It's possible to see the International Space Station with the naked eye[3].
You can calculate when the next lunar transit of the Space Station will occur from your location using the online Transit Finder. Additionally, websites like ESA's Where Is The International Space Station?, NASA's Spot The Station, N2YO.com, ISS Tracker, Stellarium, and Heavens Above can help calculate when the International Space Station is next making a pass over your location[3].
The Space Station can be seen multiple times a night around the 4th of July holiday, including a week or so either side[2]. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a mesmerising night under the stars!
[1] BBC News, "Everything you need to know about the Buck Moon", (2021), [online] available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57455326 [2] Space.com, "How to Spot the International Space Station from Earth", (2021), [online] available at: https://www.space.com/25089-how-to-spot-international-space-station.html [3] NASA, "How to Spot the International Space Station", (2021), [online] available at: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forecast/how-to-spot-the-international-space-station [4] Time and Date, "International Space Station Transit Times", (2021), [online] available at: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/spacex/transit-times.html
- Astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) might utilize binoculars to study the Buck Moon, a significant celestial body for environmental-science and astronomy, when it appears close to the ISS in July 2025.
- Stargazers interested in space-and-astronomy can engage in environmental-science by focusing on the weather conditions to ensure a clear, dark sky while attempting to view the Buck Moon and the ISS, which are best seen during twilight hours in July.
- The unique coexistence of the Buck Moon and the ISS in 2025 offers an ideal opportunity for science enthusiasts to combine their passion for celestial events with the study of space-and-astronomy.
