August full moon tonight? The ‘Sturgeon Moon’ is coming: Here’s when to see it—and what it means for the Perseid meteor shower

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There’s something fishy going on in the sky this week -don’t worry it doesn’t smell like when your co-worker heats up their leftover tilapia in the communal microwave. Instead it’s a feast for the eyes. The full moon will be on display this Saturday August 9 and is known as the Sturgeon Moon. Lets bait our hooks with the meaning behind this name and some aquatic facts before we catch the knowledge of how best to watch. (There’s even some nighttime drama.)

Why is it called the Sturgeon Full Moon?

Over time each full moon picked up cute nicknames which were popularized by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. These monikers were influenced by Native American, colonial, and European cultures. The Sturgeon Full Moon is inspired by the abundance of the giant lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during the month of August which was a major food source for the Native American tribes in the regions. Sadly, overfishing and environmental issues have greatly decreased the numbers of these freshwater fish.

Are the lake sturgeons still threatened?

Thankfully conservation efforts such as stocking programs and restoring habitat connections have increased the number of these prehistoric looking creatures. In 2024 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded they did not need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Despite its name, lake sturgeons can be found from the Hudson Bay to the Mississippi River. They eat small invertebrates, like crayfish, snails, and leeches.

These fish are known for their ability to live long and prosperous lives. Males can reach 55 years old and females have been recorded at 150 years old. During those long years, lake sturgeons can reach six and a half feet and 200 pounds. It is easy to see why Native American tribes valued them as a food source.

What is the best viewing time for the August full moon?

To see the full moon the sturgeon inspired, you might have to stay up late or get up early. It reaches peak illumination on Saturday, August 9, at 3:55 a.m. ET. If losing out on sleep isn’t your jam, it will appear full on Friday night to the naked eye.

What else is going on in the sky this month?

The light from the Sturgeon Full Moon will actually interfere with another celestial phenomenon. The Perseid Meteor Shower began on July 14 and will continue until September 1. This annual summer event occurs when the Earth travels through the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle.

Its peak comes on August 12-13 which means the moon will still be pretty bright, washing out some of the fainter meteors according to NASA. Because of this the space agency suggests holding out for the Geminids meteor shower instead which occurs in December. 

So this August, let’s hear it for the Sturgeon moon, even if it upstages the meteors.

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