Moon Magic Returns: The Sturgeon Moon Lights Up August Skies This Weekend

There’s something timeless and enchanting about a full moon — and this weekend, the night sky is about to get a serious glow-up. August’s full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, will rise in all its luminous glory, offering skywatchers a perfect opportunity to soak in one of the most stunning celestial events of the summer. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply someone who loves moonlit nights, you won’t want to miss this spectacular show.

When and Where to Watch the Sturgeon Moon

This year, the Sturgeon Moon reaches its peak brightness in the early hours of Saturday, August 9 at 3:55 a.m. EDT (0755 GMT). At this exact moment, it will be roughly 20 degrees above the southwestern horizon, glowing near Deneb Algedi, a bright star that marks the tail of the sea-goat in the constellation Capricornus.

However, if setting an alarm for the wee hours isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The moon will still appear impressively full on both Friday, August 8 and Saturday night, giving you multiple chances to catch it. For the most breathtaking views, look toward the southeastern horizon at sunset on August 8, when the full moon will rise like a giant glowing orb into the twilight sky.

As always, moonrise and moonset times vary depending on your location, so it’s a good idea to check local listings on trusted platforms like TimeandDate.com or use apps like Stellarium to get exact timings.

Why Is It Called the Sturgeon Moon?

The name Sturgeon Moon traces its roots back to Native American tribes in the Great Lakes region, who observed that sturgeon — large, prehistoric-looking freshwater fish — were most abundant during this time of year. As a result, this full moon became a seasonal marker for successful fishing.

But the Sturgeon Moon goes by many other names too, reflecting the diversity of cultures and climates that observe its arrival. Depending on the tradition, it’s also been called the Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Black Cherries Moon, Red Moon, and Mountain Shadows Moon. Each name speaks to the changing rhythms of late summer — harvests, seasonal shifts, and the richness of nature.

What Makes the August 2025 Full Moon Special?

This isn’t just any full moon — it comes with some extra cosmic company.

As the Sturgeon Moon graces the skies, it will do so alongside a beautiful planetary lineup featuring Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. These planets will be visible near the horizon around moonset on August 9, and again during the early morning hours of August 11. The sight of a glowing full moon with bright planets shining nearby is a rare treat, so be sure to set aside some time to take it all in.

And if you’re a fan of meteor showers, you’re in luck — because just a few days later, on August 12 and 13, the Perseid meteor shower will light up the northern skies. While the brightness of the moon may slightly wash out some of the meteors, the Perseids are known for their brilliance and frequency, so it’s still well worth a watch. Pro tip: get far away from city lights and look away from the moon for the best chance to catch the meteor streaks.

How to Make the Most of the Moonlight

While the full moon itself is a visual delight, there’s even more to explore if you have a telescope or binoculars. After the moon reaches its peak, the shadow line — known as the terminator — will slowly return over the following nights. This makes the days after the full moon ideal for observing the intricate details of its craters and lunar seas.

Whether you’re setting up in your backyard, heading to a local hilltop, or simply leaning out the window, all you really need is a clear sky and a bit of patience to enjoy the view.