Today, July 6, 2025, the moon is 11 days old and is in the Waxing Gibbous phase of its lunar cycle. It is 83% illuminated.

This July full moon signals the time when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their new antlers, covered in soft velvet.

Starting at the end of next week, the month of July will see a lot of moonless evenings for terrific stargazing opportunities here in the Morongo Basin.

At this time, the sun shines at such an angle to make it appear as if there is a gigantic 'V' and 'X' marking the barren lunar surface. This kind of phenomenon is referred to as a 'clair-obscur' effect and occurs when the interplay between light and shadow leads to the chance formation of familiar shapes on the moon 's craggy terrain.

The moon will be 99% full Friday night, and with mostly clear skies expected for Louisville in the evening, tonight is a good opportunity to view it.