Super Sturgeon Moon

The Full Moon appearing this evening is named after North America's largest fish - the sturgeon.  Other names for this Full Moon include Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Barley Moon and Fruit Moon. 

The Full Moon in August is called the Sturgeon Moon as a consequence of the great number of sturgeon that were once found in the lakes and rivers in North America.  It’s likely that with the arrival of European settlement the name was taken from native-American usage.  While there are fewer of this spectacular fish today the name remains.

08.15.19 Sturgeon Moon

This month's moon is a bonus; the second of four super moons on schedule for 2023.  Super moons take their name from their appearance of 30% brighter and 14% larger.  This is a consequence of the moon's closer approach (called perigee) to the earth. 

There's more to the month of August.  In four weeks, August 30, the moon will be at perigee again making it a super moon.  Because it is the second full moon to fall in a calendar month it is also a Blue Moon.  Blue moons are rare;  occurring about every two and a half years.

Imagine that; an exceedingly rare Super Blue Moon

Fingers-crossed for good viewing conditions this evening.