Sturgeon Moon Is The August Full Moon

The Sturgeon Moon is the eighth full moon of 2019 and occurs on 15 August, almost exactly one month after July’s Buck Moon. A full moon occurs when the moon's earth-facing side is completely illuminated by the sun.

It is called the Sturgeon Moon as it is this time of year when an abundance of this freshwater fish are caught from the lakes and rivers of North America. The lake Sturgeon is a greenish-grey colour with a pointed snout and two pairs of whisker-like tactile organs dangling near the mouth.

A few tribes knew the August full moon as the Full Red Moon because, as the moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon, signalling the corn was almost ready for harvest.

Scientists say that when you see the moon looking really large as it rises in the sky your brain is actually playing a trick on you.

There are many reasons as to why this is, but the main theory is that when the moon is low on the horizon it can be compared to earthly things, like buildings and trees, and this is why it seems huge.

Sturgeon Moon myths and folklore:

The Farmers’ Almanac has listed some fascinating folklore connected to this lunar occasion.

It states: “Clothes washed for the first time in the full Moon will not last long.

“If you glimpse the new Moon over your right shoulder, you will have good luck.

“To have a project prosper, start it during the new Moon.

“Babies born a day after the full Moon enjoy success and endurance.”

Full Moon Names:

January 21 – Wolf Moon
February 19 – Snow Moon
March 21 – Worm Moon
April 19 – Pink Moon
May 18 – Flower Moon
June 17 – Strawberry Moon
July 16 – Buck Moon
August 15 – Sturgeon Moon
September 14 – Full Corn Moon
October 13 – Hunter’s Moon
November 12– Beaver’s Moon
December 12 – Cold Moon

Blue Moon - Some years have an extra full moon which happens approximately every two or three years.

The names given to the full moons during the year are derived from the North American traditions.

Many of these ancient moon names have been given based on the behaviour of the plants, animals, or weather during that month.

The next full moon will rise on 14 September and is the Full Corn Moon.