Today, July 10, 2025, the Moon is in its Full Moon phase, one of the most visually striking lunar phases. During this phase, the entire face of the Moon that faces Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun, making it appear as a complete, bright circle in the night sky. This occurs because the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. From space, the Moon appears white or gray due to its surface composition and lack of atmosphere. However, when viewed from Earth, its color can vary depending on its position in the sky and atmospheric conditions.

When the Full Moon rises near the horizon—around sunset—it often appears orange or reddish in color. This is caused by a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering, the same effect responsible for red sunsets. As moonlight passes through the thicker layers of Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon, shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are scattered out, leaving the longer wavelengths—reds and oranges—to reach the observer’s eyes.

The Full Moon will be visible throughout the night, rising in the east at sunset, climbing to its highest point around midnight, and setting in the west at sunrise. It offers a beautiful and steady presence in the sky all night long, perfect for moon gazing or nighttime photography.