Full Moon of July 2016 Rises Tonight: See Its Many Names. July's full moon will rise in the sky at 6:57 p.m. EDT on July 19. Commonly known as the Full Buck Moon, this month's full moon symbolizes the time of year when male deer rear their new antlers. The full moon of July will rise tonight (July 19), bringing us a lunar charm commonly known as the Full Buck Moon. A full moon occurs each month when the sun, Earth, and moon line up. At this time, the Earth-facing side of the moon is completely lit up by sunlight. This month, the full moon rises to its prime at 6:57 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. However, for some unaided observers, the monthly full moon appears full about a day before and after the actual full moon phase. The moniker Full Buck Moon symbolizes the time of the year when male deer, known as bucks, start to grow their new antlers.