The night sky will come alive on August 9th as the full moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, reaches its peak brightness at 3:55 a.m. ET. This year’s full moon is the last of summer and will be visible throughout the evening of August 8 and morning of August 10.
Astronomers have several celestial events to look forward to during this month. Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune will align in the southern sky, providing opportunities for stargazing with binoculars or a telescope. The Perseids meteor shower will also be active, offering glimpses of shooting stars on clear nights.
The Sturgeon Moon’s name originates from the sturgeon fish, which were once abundant in the Great Lakes region and highly valued by Native Americans as a food source. This ancient fish has remained relatively unchanged for over 120 million years, earning it the title of “living fossil.” The moon will also be visible alongside other planets, including Venus and Jupiter, making for a unique celestial display.
Other notable names for this month’s full moon include the Corn Moon, Ricing Moon, Black Cherries Moon, and Mountain Shadows Moon. While the Sturgeon Moon is named after the fish, it shares its name with the Harvest Moon, which occurs in September.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/science/space/augusts-full-sturgeon-moon-lines-up-with-perseids-saturn-venus-and-jupiter