# 2026 Buck Moon ahead of August eclipse

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-buck-moon-before-august-eclipse
> Updated: 2026-07-24T11:45:17.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 2.

The Buck Moon continues to dominate the night sky through late July 2026, offering a bright backdrop ahead of the total solar eclipse on 12 August. NASA’s Daily Moon Guide and Brazil’s INMET recorded the waxing‑gibbous Moon at roughly 84–88 % illumination on 25 July. The full Moon reaches its peak on 29 July, with UK observers noting a maximum illumination at 14:36 UTC (15:36 BST) and clear skies expected across central, southern and eastern England, while northern and western areas may face cloud cover. Greek outlets reaffirm the traditional names—Buck, Thunder, or Red Deer Moon—linked to antler growth. Astronomers advise watching the Moon low on the eastern horizon after sunset on 28‑29 July, then turning southeast later in the evening for the brightest view. The bright Moon will suppress many faint meteors from the Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid showers, though the combination remains a key astronomical highlight before the eclipse’s Arctic‑to‑Iberian path of totality.

## Claims

- The Buck Moon peaks on 29 July 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Maximum illumination occurs at 3:36 pm BST (17:36 UTC) on that date. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Because the peak moment is below the horizon, the Moon will appear full to the naked eye on the evenings of 28 and 29 July. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Central, southern and eastern England are forecast to have clear skies, while Scotland may see more cloud cover. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In Greece the Moon reaches full phase at 17:37 local time on 29 July and is best seen after sunset toward the south‑east horizon. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The name “Buck Moon” derives from the period when male deer grow new antlers in July. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A partial solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026, visible as a partial eclipse in the UK and total in parts of Europe. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Delta Aquariid meteor shower peaks on 30‑31 July, but brightness of the Buck Moon will limit visibility. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-24: July 29 2026 Buck Moon to illuminate skies in UK and Europe

The July 29 2026 Buck Moon peaks at 14:36 UTC, visible across the UK, Greece and Europe; best seen after sunset with clear skies, while the Delta Aquariid meteor shower coincides.

37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buck-moon-illuminates-sky-on-july-29-2026-ahead-of-august-solar-eclipse

### 2026-07-24: Waxing Gibbous Moon Illuminates Night of July 25, 2026

The Moon is Waxing Gibbous on July 25, 2026, showing about 84‑88 % illumination; the next Full Moon occurs on July 29, with calendars noting all phase dates for July.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/waxing-gibbous-moon-phase-expected-july-2425-2026

---
Cite as: 2026 Buck Moon ahead of August eclipse. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-buck-moon-before-august-eclipse