august full moon sturgeon moon

The August full moon rises behind the Cape of Sounio near the archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon, south of Athens, on 26 August 2018, as archaeological sites across Greece remain open until midnight as part of the Full Moon 2018 event. – Archaeological sites and museums in Greece will offer a series of events to celebrate the August Full Moon as every year since 2002. A total of 132 archaeological areas and museums participate part in the Panselinos. Photo AFP/Louisa Gouliamaki

Full Moon August 2019: Sturgeon Moon will appear huge this week

August’s full moon – the Sturgeon Moon – will shine the brightest on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Don’t miss it!

august full moon sturgeon moon

The August full moon rises behind the Cape of Sounio near the archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon, south of Athens, on 26 August 2018, as archaeological sites across Greece remain open until midnight as part of the Full Moon 2018 event. – Archaeological sites and museums in Greece will offer a series of events to celebrate the August Full Moon as every year since 2002. A total of 132 archaeological areas and museums participate part in the Panselinos. Photo AFP/Louisa Gouliamaki

August’s full moon has long been associated with fascinating folklore. In fact, the August full moon is linked to a few incredible myths. In addition, the full moon will appear larger than usual.

Avid skywatchers may also get a glimpse of Mercury rising as it reached it’s greatest altitude on 10 August. On the downside, if you were still hoping to see the meteor shower, the full moon will ruin the view.

This year, the moon will have an orange glow before getting gradually whiter.

Why is it called Sturgeon moon?

The names of full moons are derived from the 1930s Maine Farmers Almanac, which uses Native American names each for month’s full moon. The name was derived from both colonists and Algonquin-speaking tribes.

The Sturgeon moon was named after the Giant Sturgeon of the Great Lakes, which were most readily caught during the days leading up to and succeeding the full moon in August.

Other names for August’s full moon include Blue Berry Moon, Full Green Corn Moon, Wheat Cut Moon; it signalled the time when corn and wheat were almost ready for harvest, all associated with summer.

The opposite is true for us in the southern hemisphere. Here it’s traditionally called Snow Moon, Storm Moon, Hunger Moon and Wolf Moon, according to EarthSky.

Sturgeon Moon folklore

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, “clothes washed for the first time in August won’t last long”, while new projects started during the full moon will exceed beyond your wildest expectations.

In addition, babies born on the day after the full in August will grow up to enjoy success and endurance, while glimpsing at the new moon over your shoulder will bring you good luck.

I’m not one for superstitions but I may just sneak that glimpse in after all. What’s the worst that could happen.

How to see August’s full Moon

Wait until it’s fully dark outside for optimal viewing. If you can avoid some of the city’s light pollution, even better. The less light pollution in your area, the brighter the moon will appear.

For best viewing, try to get somewhere with a clear horizon. If elevated, even better. If you miss it tonight, don’t fret. The moon will appear full for about a day before and after it’s peak event.

According to Forbes, the peak event is between 15:15 on Thursday 15 August, and 05:10 on Friday morning, 16 August. If you’re elsewhere in the world, here’s a nifty time table:

  • London: between 5:17 and 20:47
  • New York: between 5:57 and 20:21
  • Paris: between 6:16 and 21:28
  • Singapore: between 6:45 and 15:12
  • Tokyo: between 4:20 and 18:36
  • Hong Kong: between 5:31 and 18:58
  • Dubai: between 5:30 and 19:04
  • Beijing: between 4:47 and 15:20
  • Sydney: between 6:26 and 17:05
  • Los Angeles: between 6:15 and 20:10
august full moon sturgeon moon
Full moon raises during the women’s semifinal field hockey New Zealand vs Britain match of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on 17 August 2016. Photo AFP/Manan Vatsyaana