Sturgeon Moon Shines Bright This Weekend for Skywatchers

CALASCIO, Italy — The Sturgeon Moon, August’s full moon, will grace the night sky this weekend, offering a splendid view for moon enthusiasts around the globe. The moon will be at its fullest around 2:55 a.m. CT on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Kelsey Young, the lead for lunar science objectives for NASA‘s Artemis II mission, shares that even in bright cities, the full moon stands out. ‘The good thing about the full moon is that you can really appreciate it, no matter where you are,’ Young said. For optimal viewing, she suggests finding a spot away from city lights.

The full moon also marks the time of year when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America’s Great Lakes, hence its name. Historically, August’s full moon has also been known as the Lynx Moon, Grain Moon, and Corn Moon, which reflect the seasonal changes observed by various cultures.

On a celestial note, this year, the Sturgeon Moon will interact with several planets, including Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury as it moves across the sky. Expect the moon to be visible at 9 p.m. BST on August 9, rising in the southeast and setting in the southwest the next morning.

Young notes that during the following days, the waning moon will make close approaches to these planets. ‘You can catch the moon with Venus and Jupiter after it rises,’ she added. Use binoculars or telescopes to catch glimpses of Mars and Uranus as well.

Skywatchers should take advantage of the Sturgeon Moon and upcoming planet alignments this August. With more full moons and even supermoons on the horizon, the opportunities for stargazing continue.