With July’s “Buck Moon” now behind us, it’s time to look forward to the full moon coming up in August.
That full moon will come “with a celestial bonus—setting in the early morning sky near a dazzling alignment of Saturn, Venus, and Jupiter,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac website. “If clouds interfere (on the night of the full moon), the sky offers a do-over from (Aug.) 11 to 13, when the two brightest planets—Venus and Jupiter—huddle so close together that it may be the best conjunction of your life. Start looking about 60 minutes before sunrise in your location.”
Here’s when it can be seen.
When is the August full moon in 2025?
It can be seen Aug. 9, 2025, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, which added that the best viewing time will be 3:55 a.m.
Why is it called the ‘Sturgeon Moon?’
The August full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon because sturgeons – a type of fish – are more efficiently caught in August and early September, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
“The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the giant lake sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain; this native freshwater fish was readily caught during this part of summer and an important food staple for Native Americans who lived in the region,” the Farmer’s Almanac said. “At one time the lake sturgeon was quite abundant in late summer, though they are rarer today.”
The Sturgeon Moon as seen in 2023. This year’s Sturgeon Moon will rise on Aug. 9, 2025.
What’s the best way to see the Sturgeon Moon?
A full moon can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
But in a past interview with USA Today Network, Tim Brothers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology technical Instructor and observatory manager, said with any case of stargazing, it’s much better if you’re using a good telescope or a pair of binoculars.
What are the names of other upcoming full moons in 2025?
According to Time and Date, they include:
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Harvest Moon: Oct. 6, 2025
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Beaver Moon: Nov. 5, 2025
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: August full moon coincides with planetary alignment. When to see it
