Latest Moon News | Top Moon News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Moon News Today | English Moon News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Why July’s Buck Moon 2025 Will Appear Bigger and Hang Lower in the Sky

July 9, 2025, 2:30 pm

This month’s full moon will be a doozy. It is set to arise on July 10 and will be the most distant full moon from the sun in 2025, based on information provided by Space.com. That’s because it comes just days after Earth has passed its aphelion, the point in its orbit farthest from the sun.

The full moon will be rising at 3:37 p.m. CT, but for most observers, the ideal viewing time will be after dark as it rises above the southeastern horizon. That’s when it will appear largest, courtesy of a phenomenon known as the ‘Moon Illusion’, a visual illusion that causes the moon to appear larger when it’s low in the sky.

Why it Appears Lower This Year

This year’s Buck Moon will also look much lower than normal. That’s due to a rare phenomenon called a ‘Major Lunar Standstill’, which occurs just once every 18.6 years. According to Space.com, it happens when the sun’s gravity pulls the moon’s path into its steepest inclination relative to Earth’s equator, causing the moon to appear unusually low in the summer sky.

Other Names of Buck Moon

July’s full moon is commonly referred to as the ‘Buck Moon’, when in North America, male deer begin to grow their antlers. It’s also referred to as the ‘Thunder Moon’ because of the regular summer thunderstorms throughout the US. Other names the Old Farmer’s Almanac refers to are the ‘Salmon Moon’, ‘Berry Moon’, ‘Feather Moulting Moon’, and ‘Raspberry Moon’.

With clear skies, folks all across the US should enjoy a great view of this unique full moon rising shortly after sunset on July 10.

Astronauts May Soon Reel in Fresh Fish on the Moon

May 5, 2025, 8:09 pm

In a unprecedented move, researchers are preparing for fish farming on the moon. The ambitious venture not only wants to grow fish in space but also include them in the menu of astronauts going on long missions.

This pioneering project, initially suggested by Przybyla to the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2016, was not sanctioned then. But almost a decade later, the project, now known as Lunar Hatch, has been shortlisted among the 100 lunar exploration projects. Researchers from Southern France are leading this pioneering project, which includes incubating fish eggs on Earth before shipping them to the moon.

One of the key objectives of this project is to lay the foundation for the logistics of space fish farming, including shipping equipment and machinery needed in the process to the moon. The goal is to provide astronauts with a sustainable way of having fresh nutrients that could make long-duration space missions sustainable. Dr. Cyril Przibil of Ifremer, the project leader, emphasizes the significance of fish since they are a good source of protein, omega-3, and other essential vitamins that benefit the health and energy of astronauts.

A major challenge is securing water on the moon. To address this, scientists propose to use the water ice within the moon’s permanently shadowed polar areas. This ice will be transformed into water to fill the closed tank systems in which the fish will reside. The process will be very much like Earth-based aquaculture, where fish waste will feed algae and other animals. Shrimp and insects will eat what remains of the waste, all of which will be further food sources for the fish.

If the project is a success, it is expected to deliver fresh fish twice a week to a seven-member team for a 16-week mission, in need of some 200 fish. The primary goal is to deliver astronauts with fresh, wholesome food to keep them going during long lunar missions.

In addition, fish farming may have a beneficial impact on the soil and water of the moon. Particularly chosen fish will be able to thrive on the moon’s extreme conditions, and that will be a breakthrough in exploring space and sustainability.

Venus, Saturn and Moon Form a Cosmic Smiley Face in Sky

April 25, 2025, 3:23 pm

A once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event lit up the pre-dawn sky today, thrilling sky watchers with what appeared to be a smiley face of moon. The rare planetary alignment, which gave the waxing crescent moon an emoji-like look, tickled and fascinated onlookers.

In Udupi, Karnataka, astronomy enthusiasts gathered at sunrise to witness and capture the phenomenon. At around 5:30 am, Venus and Saturn were on either side of the crescent moon, positioned in a manner that formed a smiley face in the sky. The alignment of these three celestial bodies surprised and delighted early birds fortunate enough to witness it.

The alignment attracted important notice from scientific establishments tracking planetary activity. Observable to the naked eye shortly before dawn, the show provided a brief but enchanting sight. Numerous also reported the religious aspect of the timing, as the event took place during Brahma Muhurta, a dawn-before-the-sun period which is said to be the best time to make wishes, felt by some to be especially efficacious.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, crowds flocked as early as 4:30 am to witness the cosmic smile. But the sighting was poor, and by 5:35 am, the celestial event had already gone by. Though disappointed, some people left, yet the brief sighting of the moon with a star-like object continued to cast its spell over the onlookers.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: Will Eid Fall on March 30 or 31? Moon Sighting Details Inside

March 26, 2025, 4:20 pm

With Ramadan coming to an end in its last week, Muslims worldwide await eagerly Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the culmination of a month’s dawn-to-dusk fast.

Ramadan in India started on Sunday, March 2, after the sighting of the crescent moon on March 1. In Saudi Arabia, the holy month began one day earlier, that is, on March 1. According to this schedule, Eid-ul-Fitr in India will either be celebrated on March 31 or April 1, subject to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

The date of Eid is fixed on moon sighting reports:

If the crescent moon is sighted on March 30 after evening prayers, Eid will be observed on March 31.
If the moon is not sighted on March 30, Eid will be observed on April 1.
The same technique is followed in Saudi Arabia; if the moon is visible on March 29, Eid will be celebrated on March 30.

Otherwise, Eid will be celebrated on March 31.

Why Moon Sighting for Eid?

The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar system, with each Hijri month beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon. As lunar months either have 29 or 30 days, the date of Eid-ul-Fitr that marks the first day of Shawwal (Islamic month ten) varies each year. Religious leaders declare the last date on the basis of moon sightings.

Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr, or the “festival of breaking the fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, a holy time of fasting, prayer, and contemplation. One of Islam’s five pillars, it is a time of thanksgiving, charity, and communal festivities.

About 70 days following Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” which falls at the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca each year.

Chang’e-7 Mission: China to Send Flying Robot to Moon’s Far Side in Search of Ice

February 4, 2025, 3:35 pm

China is preparing to send a flying robot to the far side of the moon next year. The mission aims to search for frozen water, which could be crucial for future lunar exploration. Moreover, the Chang’e-7 mission will bring China closer to landing astronauts on the moon within five years, according to state media reports.

China Expands Space Ambitions

In recent years, China has made rapid progress in space exploration. Not only is the country advancing its scientific goals, but it is also competing with other nations like the United States, which are investing heavily in space programs. Furthermore, these efforts are driven by the search for resources and national security advantages.

Lunar Ice Could Support Future Missions

Although scientists have already found traces of water on the moon, experts believe ice deposits in deep craters could be more valuable. In fact, in 2023, Chinese researchers detected water in soil samples from the Chang’e-5 mission. Additionally, NASA and India’s space agency have also identified potential water sources on the moon’s surface.

However, some experts argue that ice preserved in permanently shadowed craters on the moon’s far side may be the most useful. This is because such deposits could provide drinking water and even fuel, significantly reducing mission costs. As a result, China’s Chang’e-7 mission will play a key role in preparing for a future research base at the moon’s south pole.

Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Project, told CCTV, “There are some very deep caves at the south pole of the moon, and we think there may be water there. We hope the flying detector can conduct on-site inspections into one or two caves after landing.”

Flying Robot Will Explore Craters

So far, China has launched several advanced lunar missions. For instance, in 2023, it became the first country to return samples from the moon’s far side. Now, the country is determined to land astronauts on the moon before 2030.

As part of this effort, the Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for 2026, will conduct a detailed survey of the moon’s south pole. To achieve this, it will use an orbiter, a lander, a rover, and a flying robot.

Interestingly, experts say the robot will have flexible legs, allowing it to land like a human jumping. Although reports have not specified how many legs it will have, scientists confirm that it will perform at least three jumps. More importantly, it will move from sunlit areas into shadowed craters to locate and analyze ice deposits.

Extreme Conditions Pose Challenges

Since lunar ice exists in the coldest and darkest regions of the moon, scientists face major challenges. In particular, these areas never receive sunlight due to the moon’s tilt. Consequently, temperatures can drop to -250°F (-157°C).

Due to these extreme conditions, the mission requires advanced technology. Addressing this concern, Tang Yuhua, deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-7 mission, acknowledged the difficulties ahead. “To work for a long time under these circumstances is a big challenge,” he told state media.

Moon Added to List of Threatened Heritage Sites, Says WMF Chief

January 16, 2025, 9:44 pm

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has long focused on highlighting and protecting endangered cultural heritage sites, but this year, their list extends beyond Earth to include the moon. The moon has now been added to the list of threatened heritage sites due to concerns over potential looting and damage caused by upcoming commercial trips.

“The moon seems so far outside of our scope,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, the organisation’s president and chief executive, as quoted by The New York Times. “But with humans venturing more and more into space, we think it is the right time to get ourselves organised.”

While WMF typically includes vulnerable cultural sites on Earth, this year’s selection – the first since 2022 – also features sites like Qhapaq Ñan, a pre-Hispanic Andean road system, and earthquake-damaged sites such as Antakya in Turkey and the Noto peninsula in Japan.

Montlaur explained that the moon was included among the 25 sites due to “mounting risks amidst accelerating lunar activities,” which, according to WMF, are being “undertaken without adequate preservation protocols.”

On Wednesday, SpaceX launched two lunar landers to support research for future missions. Since the 1960s, only five countries – the US, China, India, Japan, and the former Soviet Union – have successfully landed vehicles on the moon.

Private trips to the lunar surface are expected to follow NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for mid-2027, which will mark the first crewed moon landing since the early 1970s. These visits, along with other government-funded missions, have raised concerns for the WMF, particularly regarding the potential disturbance of iconic sites, such as the footprints left by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. “The moon doesn’t belong to anybody,” de Montlaur said. “It is a symbol of hope and the future.”

“For the first time, the moon is included … to reflect the urgent need to recognise and preserve the artefacts that testify to humanity’s first steps beyond Earth – a defining moment in our shared history,” Montlaur explained, as quoted by The Guardian. “Items such as the camera that captured the televised moon landing; a memorial disk left by astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin; and hundreds of other objects are emblematic of this legacy … the inclusion of the moon underscores the universal need for proactive and cooperative strategies to protect heritage – whether on Earth or beyond – that reflect and safeguard our collective narrative.”

Speaking to the Art Newspaper, Montlaur emphasized the importance of establishing international mechanisms to safeguard the moon’s cultural significance during this new era of space exploration. “Safeguarding lunar heritage will prevent damage from accelerating private and governmental activities in space, ensuring these artefacts endure for future generations,” she said.

Most of the WMF list includes sites in conflict zones, such as Ukraine and Gaza, or those endangered by the climate crisis. The Swahili Coast of Africa, featuring sites like Lamu Old Town and Fort Jesus in Kenya, and the Island of Mozambique, threatened by coastal erosion, have also been listed. The WMF also highlighted the devastation of Gaza’s historic urban fabric caused by the ongoing war with Israel.

Other sites were included for their potential to benefit from sustainable tourism, such as the Orthodox monasteries of Drino Valley in Albania. Meanwhile, overcrowding at locations like China’s Buddhist grotto sites at Maijishan and Yungang has raised concerns about preservation.

The WMF’s 2022 list featured prehistoric cave paintings in Monte Alegre state park in the Brazilian Amazon, the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacán in Mexico, and the pre-Columbian archaeological site Garcia Pasture in Texas.

IIT Science Festival: Massive Moon Replica Wins Praise From ISRO Chief

December 2, 2024, 4:04 pm

A stunning seven-meter replica of the moon is attracting significant attention at the ongoing India International Science Festival (IISF) at IIT Guwahati. Created by British artist Luke Jerram, the installation, titled “The Museum of Moon,” features detailed lunar surface images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The inflatable balloon’s design scales each centimeter to represent about five kilometers of the moon’s surface, showcasing craters and mountains with exceptional realism.

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath lauded the replica, stating that the space agency might collaborate with artists to create a similar model. He emphasized India’s critical role in lunar exploration, noting, “India has the best images of the lunar surface and has been supplying them to whoever is asking for them. The world’s space agencies are using them for landing on the Moon.”

While the Shiv Shakti point, where India’s Vikram Lander from the Chandrayaan-3 mission landed, is not specifically marked on the installation, visitors can still visualize India’s historic achievement of landing near the unexplored south pole of the moon. The images captured by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, which provided high-resolution lunar surface imagery, are used globally.

India’s future plans include the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which will aim to collect moon samples near the Shiv Shakti point.

The India International Science Festival is supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and VIBHA (Vigyan Bharati), with around 8,000 delegates expected to attend the event.

Women Unique Way To See Moon: This Karwa Chauth Turn Your Husband Into A Fitness Prop | VIDEOS

October 20, 2024, 8:06 am

A series of Instagram reels showcasing a woman performing unusual fitness routines for the moon sighting during Karwa Chauth have taken the internet by storm. These videos, which feature a range of bizarre yet impressive moves, have sparked both laughter and admiration among viewers. The reels depict the woman engaging in backbending, balancing on her husband’s leg, and even performing yoga poses while perched on his shoulders.

Celebrating Tradition with a Twist

Karwa Chauth is a significant occasion in India, observed by married women who fast and pray for their husbands’ well-being and prosperity. Moon sighting marks a key ritual of this auspicious day. In these viral clips, the woman creatively blends fitness with tradition, demonstrating her flexibility and strength while fulfilling the cultural customs associated with the festival. While the routines may appear unconventional, the effort and dedication behind them have resonated with many, leading to widespread shares and likes across social media platforms.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEOS:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ankit Kumar (@2012_ankit.fitness)

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ankit Kumar (@2012_ankit.fitness)

A post shared by Ankit Kumar (@2012_ankit.fitness)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ankit Kumar (@2012_ankit.fitness)

The unique combination of fitness and tradition not only showcases a fun side of Karwa Chauth but also promotes a message of health and well-being during a time when many women are engaged in spiritual observance. As the videos continue to circulate, they remind us that traditions can be celebrated in diverse and innovative ways.

Rare ‘Mini Moon’ Sighted: 10-Meter Asteroid To Orbit Earth | Check Details

September 29, 2024, 7:04 pm

Earth’s moon will soon be joined by a “mini moon,” an asteroid measuring approximately 10 meters, roughly the size of a school bus. This mini moon, designated 2024 PT5, will swing by Earth on Sunday and be temporarily captured by our planet’s gravity, orbiting for about two months.

Astronomers at Complutense University of Madrid first identified the space rock in August using a powerful telescope situated in Sutherland, South Africa.

According to Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, these fleeting mini moons are likely more prevalent than we realize. The last known mini moon was detected in 2020. “This happens with some frequency, but we rarely see them because they’re very small and very hard to detect,” he noted. “Only recently has our survey capability reached the point of spotting them routinely.”

The discovery, made by Carlos de la Fuente Marcos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, was published by the American Astronomical Society. While this mini moon won’t be visible to the naked eye or through amateur telescopes, it “can be observed with relatively large, research-grade telescopes,” Carlos de la Fuente Marcos explained in an email.

Binzel, who was not part of the research team, mentioned that it remains unclear whether the space rock originated as an asteroid or was “a chunk of the moon that got blasted out.”

The mini moon is expected to circle Earth for nearly 57 days but will not complete a full orbit. It will depart on November 25, continuing its journey through space, with a predicted return in 2055.

Saturn Makes A Stunning Appearance From Behind The Moon: Watch Viral Video

September 26, 2024, 12:28 pm

In a breathtaking display of cosmic beauty, renowned Astro photographer Andrew McCarthy has mesmerized the astronomy world by capturing an extraordinary video of Saturn emerging from behind the Moon. The black-and-white footage showcases a rare celestial event, allowing viewers to witness two of the solar system’s most iconic bodies in a captivating celestial “dance.”

A Rare Celestial Event: Saturn and the Moon in Motion

McCarthy’s video depicts Saturn gradually reappearing from behind the Moon’s glowing edge, creating a dramatic contrast between the bright lunar surface and the dim, iconic rings of Saturn. The footage was captured using an infrared filter, enhancing the clarity and providing a unique view of this awe-inspiring event.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Watch Saturn emerge from behind the moon in real-time. The only editing done to this clip was brightening the shadows since Saturn was so much darker than the full moon.

This was captured using an infrared filter which is why it’s a b&w clip. The ingress was captured in color. pic.twitter.com/ExlCVgeqbx

— Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) September 24, 2024

Such occultations—where one celestial body passes in front of another—are relatively rare, offering valuable opportunities for both Astro photographers and astronomers to observe the movements of celestial objects in stunning detail.

Minimal Editing for Maximum Impact

To preserve the authenticity of the moment, McCarthy kept post-processing to a minimum, only slightly brightening the shadows in the video. Saturn’s faint glow against the bright full Moon necessitated this minor adjustment to offer a more balanced view without compromising the real-time experience. The result is a clip that feels almost like being there, watching the planet emerge from the shadows of the Moon.

A Dual Perspective: Color vs. Black-and-White

While the emergence of Saturn was captured in black and white, McCarthy revealed that the ingress—the moment when Saturn disappeared behind the Moon—was documented in full color. This dual approach allowed McCarthy to offer two distinct perspectives of the occultation, further enhancing the viewer’s experience of the phenomenon.

Cosmic Wonders in Motion

Occultations like this one are a true spectacle for stargazers and provide unique insights for astronomers. As celestial bodies align in such a way, the rare event not only offers stunning visual beauty but also serves as a powerful tool for studying planetary characteristics and movements within the solar system.

This mesmerizing video of Saturn and the Moon is a reminder of the wonders of our cosmos, and how much remains to be explored and captured by those with a passion for the stars.

Partial Lunar Eclipse To Super Harvest Moon: Key Celestial Events To Watch Out In September

August 31, 2024, 1:22 pm

September 2024 will be an extraordinary month for stargazers and astrology enthusiasts, featuring a series of captivating celestial events. From a New Moon to a Partial Lunar Eclipse and the highly anticipated Super Harvest Moon, the night sky promises to be a spectacular sight. Here’s what you need to know about the key astrological events this month:

September 3: New Moon

The month begins with a New Moon on Tuesday, September 3rd, signaling the start of a new lunar cycle. This phase is ideal for setting intentions and embarking on new projects. The darkened sky, with the absence of moonlight, provides an excellent chance to observe stars and other celestial objects.

September 5: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West

On Thursday, September 5th, Mercury will reach its greatest elongation west of the Sun. This is the best opportunity to view the elusive planet, which will be visible in the early morning sky just before sunrise. Look towards the eastern horizon to see the smallest planet in our solar system shining brightly.

September 8: Saturn at Opposition

Sunday, September 8th will feature Saturn at opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the Sun in the sky. This alignment brings Saturn closest to Earth, making it appear brighter and larger. Through a telescope, observers can enjoy views of Saturn’s stunning rings and potentially some of its larger moons.

September 17/18: Partial Lunar Eclipse

The weekend of September 17th and 18th will witness a Partial Lunar Eclipse, where a segment of the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow. This event will be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Although not a total eclipse, the partial shadow will subtly alter the Moon’s appearance, providing a unique celestial display.

September 18: Super Harvest Moon

On September 18th, the Super Harvest Moon will make its appearance. This event combines the characteristics of a Supermoon—when the Moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter—with the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the September equinox. The Super Harvest Moon will bathe the night in a beautiful, golden glow, perfect for photography and moon-gazing.

September 22: September Equinox

The month concludes with the September Equinox on Sunday, September 22nd. This marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, daylight and night are nearly equal in length as the Sun crosses the celestial equator. The equinox symbolizes balance and transition and is celebrated in various cultures worldwide.

September 2024 offers a rich tapestry of celestial events, from a New Moon to an intriguing Partial Lunar Eclipse. Whether you’re an enthusiastic stargazer or simply enjoy watching the night sky, this month provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the cosmos. Be sure to mark your calendars, set up your telescopes, and prepare to be dazzled by the night sky’s wonders.

5 shocking Conspiracy Theories people believe in

November 14, 2022, 5:58 pm

Although conspiracy theories are not a new concept, the internet has given them new life. We’ve seen more than our fair share of false information online, some of it anchored in the past and some of it inspired by fear, even in recent years. Here are the five wackiest conspiracies that people have genuinely bought into over the years, ranging from the existence of an Earth within Earth to Prince Charles’ covert vampire lifestyle.

The moon landing was fake

The conspiracy theory contends that Neil Armstrong did not make the first “leap for mankind” on the moon in 1969. The flag waving in the wind, the absence of any stars, and the misaligned shadows have been suggested, and conspiracy theorists have maintained for years that NASA staged the landing and the CIA has been guarding the information ever since.

Prince Charles is a Vampire

The Prince of Wales is a descendant of Vlad the Impaler, the model for Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel, and other royals in Charles’s family were known to suffer from the condition porphyria, an iron deficiency disease that makes people sensitive to sunlight. This propagated the rumour of him being a vampire.

The Titanic didn’t sink

Over the years, there have been numerous conspiracy theories surrounding this sad incident, one of which claims that the Olympic, not the Titanic, was the ocean liner that collided with the iceberg. However, one tragic fact still stands: a ship did sink, and about 1,500 passengers perished.

Queen Elizabeth I was a man

Some people believe that Queen Elizabeth I was replaced by a young boy after she passed away as a child in order to preserve the royal line. This theory is put forth to explain why the ruler remained chaste during her tenure.

COVID-19 was engineered

Some people say that the virus is a hoax that was engineered by the media and global elite to control the population. Some also believe that the introduction of the virus was purely intentional, leading to a biological war among the global economies.