There’s something almost magical about the August moon. Whether you’re a stargazer, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a little mystery in life, the full moon in August has a way of drawing you in. Known as the Sturgeon Moon, this celestial event has roots in Native American traditions, marks a key point in the lunar calendar, and even ties into some surprising historical trivia about the names of the months themselves. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand, and maybe even a bit fun.

If you’ve ever wondered why July and August are the way they are on the calendar, you’re not alone. There’s a bit of a story behind it involving Roman emperors and calendar changes that might surprise you. And if you’re into astrology, the August moon can influence emotions and energy in ways you might not expect. So, whether you’re curious about the science, the folklore, or the vibes of this full moon, you’ve come to the right place.

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick preview of what we’ll cover: the origin of the August moon’s name, its significance in different cultures, tips for viewing it, and even a few fun facts you might not have heard before. Let’s get started.

• Isaiah Justus Farrow

Table of Contents

• The Origin of the August Moon Name
• Why the August Moon Matters in Astronomy
• How to View the August Full Moon
• August Moon in Culture and Astrology
• Fun Facts About the August Moon
• FAQ Section

The Origin of the August Moon Name

The August full moon goes by a few names, but the most commonly used one is the Sturgeon Moon. That name comes from Native American tribes, especially those around the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water in North America. Why sturgeon? Because that’s when the fish were easiest to catch in those waters during the summer months. Makes sense, right?

Other names for this moon include the Red Moon, due to its color when it's low in the sky, and the Green Corn Moon, which reflects the time of year when corn was traditionally harvested. Different tribes and regions had their own names, which is kind of cool when you think about it — the moon was a shared experience, but interpreted in many different ways.

Why the August Moon Matters in Astronomy

From a scientific perspective, the August full moon is just one of twelve or thirteen full moons we see each year. But timing-wise, it often lines up with some interesting astronomical events. For example, sometimes it coincides with a planetary alignment or even a meteor shower, making it a bit more special than the average full moon.

• Wentworth Miller Sevgilisi

In 2023, the August full moon was also a supermoon, which means it was closer to Earth than usual, making it appear brighter and larger in the sky. That’s always a fun thing to catch if you’re into skywatching. Learn more about skywatching tips to get the most out of these events.

How to View the August Full Moon

Viewing the August full moon doesn’t require any fancy equipment — just a clear sky and a bit of patience. Here are a few tips to get the best experience:

• Check the exact date and time of the full moon for your region.
• Find a spot with minimal light pollution, like a park or rural area.
• Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark before looking up.
• Try using binoculars or a small telescope for a closer view of the moon’s surface.

Also, if you’re into photography, the full moon can make for some pretty amazing shots — just make sure to experiment with different exposure settings to get the best results.

August Moon in Culture and Astrology

In astrology, the full moon is often seen as a time of release and emotional clarity. The August moon, falling in the middle of summer, can bring with it a sense of completion or a turning point in personal growth. Since it’s associated with the sign of Pisces in some interpretations, it can be a deeply intuitive and spiritual time for many people.

There’s also a bit of a fun historical twist when it comes to the name "August" itself. It’s said that the month was named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. Before that, the month was called Sextilis, meaning “sixth,” because the original Roman calendar only had ten months. Then, after Julius Caesar added January and February, the calendar had twelve months, and July and August were named after Julius and Augustus Caesar, respectively. So yeah, August wasn’t always August — it’s kind of a cool piece of trivia if you ask me.

Fun Facts About the August Moon

Here are some lesser-known facts that might make your next moon-gazing session a bit more interesting:

1. The Sturgeon Moon can sometimes appear reddish when it's close to the horizon, due to the way Earth's atmosphere scatters light.
2. In some years, the August full moon overlaps with the Perseid meteor shower, offering a double celestial treat.
3. There’s a band named August’s Moon (though sometimes written as August Moon), which was created for a fictional story but became real in some ways through music and storytelling.
4. The moon’s influence on tides is strongest during full moons, including the August full moon.

Also, if you’re into video games or anime, you might recognize the name August in the context of a Japanese visual novel company known as August (or 八月社), which produces popular titles like *The Caligula Effect* and *The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince*. So the word “August” has meaning in more ways than one.

FAQ Section

What is the August full moon called?

It’s most commonly called the Sturgeon Moon, named after the large fish that were traditionally easier to catch during this time of year in North America. Other names include the Green Corn Moon and the Red Moon.

When is the August full moon in 2025?

The exact date varies slightly each year, but in 2025, the August full moon will likely fall around August 19–21. You can check a detailed moon calendar for the most accurate date.

Is the August full moon a supermoon?

Not every August moon is a supermoon, but some years it is. A supermoon happens when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit. In 2023, the August full moon was indeed a supermoon.

Want to know more about lunar events? Learn more about moon cycles and skywatching tips on our site.