When is August full moon? Astronomer says what’s particular about it – NBC 7 San Diego

For stargazers looking for a glimpse of the complete moon this August, make sure that to search for this weekend.

August’s moon was nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon by the Farmer’s Almanac, a nicknamed derived by the fish discovered within the Great Lakes area this time of 12 months.

Here’s the best way to see it.

When is August’s full moon?

The moon will attain peak fullness at 3:55 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9.

“Technically, peak fullness lasts just an instant when the side of the moon we see is fully illuminated by the sun,” astronomer Catherine Pilachowski tells TODAY.com.

“As the moon approaches peak fullness, the sliver of the moon facing earth that is not illuminated by the sun gets smaller and smaller, until all of the moon we see is in sunlight.”

Translation? If you’re not awake throughout these early hours, have a look the night time earlier than, Aug. 8, for an equally spectacular view.

The moon will seem full for about three days earlier than beginning to wax.

What’s particular about August’s full moon?

August’s full moon comes with a “celestial bonus,” per the Farmer’s Almanac.

When the complete moon units within the early morning, stargazers may be capable of spot an alignment of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. If clouds get in the best way, take one other peek on Aug. 11, when Venus and Jupiter, the 2 brightest planets, may be seen huddled collectively.

Pilachowski factors out that the complete moon additionally aligns with lunar aphelion on Aug. 7, the day the moon reaches its farthest distance from the solar.

You may even see headlines about tremendous blood moons, strawberry moons or blue moons – however what do these names really imply? Here’s what you must know.

How lengthy does the complete moon seem full?

Full moons are seen for 3 days, in line with Pilachowski. That means in case you miss the moon on Aug. 9, make sure that to have a look the next day.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: