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Rare 'Gazelle Moon' Casts Golden Glow Over Kuwait

publish time

10/07/2025

publish time

10/07/2025

KUWAIT CITY, July 10:  A rare and enchanting full moon, known as the "Gazelle Moon," lit up the Kuwaiti sky on Thursday evening, captivating astronomy enthusiasts with its distinctive glow. The Al-Ajairy Scientific Center described the event as one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena of the year.

In a statement to KUNA, the center explained that the first full moon of the astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere appeared in a unique and mesmerizing hue, making it a rare spectacle. The July full moon is referred to as the "Gazelle Moon" because it coincides with the time of year when gazelles begin to grow new horns, the center noted.

This particular moon is also classified as one of the lowest full moons of the year. The phenomenon began shortly after sunset at 6:51 p.m. and lasted for approximately ten minutes. The moonrise followed at 6:53 p.m., allowing observers to enjoy its vivid colors as it ascended into the dusk sky. As the moon rose slowly above the eastern horizon, it appeared in shades of deep orange and warm gold, a visual effect created by its light passing through the dense layers of the atmosphere near the horizon. The moon also appeared larger and brighter than usual due to its proximity to Earth, despite being at its farthest point from the sun for the year. This made the event an ideal opportunity for sky watchers and photographers across the Gulf region to capture and appreciate the rare celestial display.