This month, the “Sturgeon Moon” promises to be a spectacular sight, as it will grace the sky on two consecutive evenings. Officially reaching its full moon phase on Saturday, August 9, at 3:55 a.m. ET, this celestial event allows stargazers in North America to enjoy two stunning moonrises.
The optimal time to witness this phenomenon is shortly after sunset, particularly on the day the moon becomes fully illuminated. The Sturgeon Moon will make its debut in the eastern sky at dusk, offering a picturesque view while the surrounding landscape remains illuminated by the fading light of day.
Interestingly, this month presents a rare opportunity for observers; it is not often that two nights in a row yield such remarkable views of the full moon. Typically, as the moon travels in its orbit, it rises approximately 50 minutes later each day. However, August brings a unique circumstance where the Sturgeon Moon lies lower in the southern sky, making its rise shallower and resulting in only a 30-minute time difference between the two moonrises on consecutive nights.
In specific locations, such as New York City, the full Sturgeon Moon will appear on Friday, August 8, at 8:03 p.m. ET, just moments after sunset. The following evening, it will rise at 8:32 p.m. ET, 28 minutes after the sun goes down. Given that both of these moonrises occur during dusk, it’s advisable for viewers to check local times for optimal viewing.
For those looking to enhance their observation experience, using stargazing binoculars or telescopes can reveal fascinating details on the lunar surface. The name “Sturgeon Moon” originates from the abundance of sturgeon fish found in the Great Lakes during this time, while various cultures have other monikers for this lunar event—such as “Wild Rice Moon” among the Anishinaabeg people, and “Green Corn and Grain Moon” in other parts of North America.
This month’s celestial events offer not just a chance to admire nature’s beauty but also to reconnect with cultural traditions surrounding the lunar calendar, making the Sturgeon Moon a moment to celebrate both the science and lore of our night sky.