The August Full Moon is an astronomical event that will occur this weekend on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10. However, unlike most full moons, it will be visible in all its glory for two days. In addition, this full moon is related to something very traditional in the United States, which is why it has been called the âSturgeon Moon.â Hereâs when you can see it, what time it will be at its brightest, and what it means.
When and at what time can you see the August full moon?
As previously noted, the August full moon, also known as the âSturgeon Moon,â will take place on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10. Astronomers have predicted that the peak of the lunar phase will be at 3:55 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, August 9, and it will be the key opportunity to see it in its entirety from across North America.
Therefore, the best opportunity to see this August full moon will be in the early hours of dawn, between 4, 5, and 6 a.m. In addition, these are the hours when the sky is completely dark, allowing you to see the full moon 100% across the United States.
The Sturgeon Moon rises behind the torch of the Statue of Liberty in New York City (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
How and where to see the August full moon, âSturgeon Moonâ?
The good news for anyone who wants to enjoy this astronomical phenomenon is that it will be clearly visible at the recommended time on Saturday, August 9, both with the naked eye and with binoculars or a home telescope. Take advantage of this opportunity and hope for clear skies so you can see the August full moon.
Why is it called the Sturgeon Moon?
The August Full Moon, which will reach its peak this Saturday, the 9th, is a rather special time of year and has significant meaning.
It is traditionally known as the âFull Sturgeon Moonâ because it comes from the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. This freshwater fish, native to the United States, was fairly easy to catch at this time of summer and was a staple food for Native Americans living in the region.
Back then, more than 100 years ago, lake sturgeon were quite abundant at this time of summer, although today they are quite rare to see.
Other names for the August moon are: Flying Up Moon, Corn Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwa), Harvest Moon (Dakota), and Rice Moon (Anishinaabe), which indicates that it is time to harvest crops that are already ripe.
The so-called Sturgeon Moon is obscured by clouds at it passes behind the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. (Photo by CHIP SOMODEVILLA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
What is the relationship between the August Full Moon and the Perseid Meteor Shower?
The famous Perseid Meteor Shower, which occurs every year at this time of summer in the United States, will take place just after the August Full Moon, which will reach its peak in the early hours of Saturday, August 9, and will continue until Sunday, August 10.
The Perseid Meteor Shower began on July 17 and will continue until August 23, but it will peak during the night of August 12 and continue until dawn on August 13.
