Sturgeon Moon Shines Radiant: Full Moon Visible Tonight
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Skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as a full moon illuminates the night sky. The August full moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, reached peak illumination on August 30, 2023, and is currently 100% lit, as confirmed by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation (NASA’s Daily Moon Observation).
The name “Sturgeon Moon” originates from Native American fishing traditions, referencing the time of year when sturgeon were readily caught in the great Lakes and other major bodies of water. Algonquin tribes, including those around the Great Lakes region, historically named it this way due to the abundance of the fish.
Tonight’s full moon offers excellent opportunities for observation, even without specialized equipment. Visible features include the Mare Vaporum (Sea of Vapors), Mare Fecunditatis (Sea of Fertility), and Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility) – large, dark basaltic plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Mare Tranquillitatis is especially notable as the landing site of Apollo 11 in 1969, where astronauts neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first walked on the moon.
Looking Ahead: Future Full Moons
Mark your calendars! The next full moon is scheduled to occur on September 7, 2023. Following that, full moons will be visible on October 28th, November 27th, and December 27th.
Understanding Moon Phases: A Celestial Cycle
The changing appearance of the moon, known as its phases, is a result of the moon’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth and the varying angles at which we view the sunlit portion of its surface. NASA (NASA) explains that we always see the same side of the moon due to a phenomenon called tidal locking, where the moon’s rotation period matches its orbital period.
Here’s a breakdown of the eight primary moon phases:
- new Moon – The moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing Earth unlit and invisible.
- Waxing Crescent – A sliver of light emerges on the right side (as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere), gradually increasing in size.
- First Quarter – Half of the moon’s face is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-circle.
- Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the moon is lit, continuing to grow towards fullness.
- Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is brightly illuminated, appearing as a complete circle.
- Waning Gibbous – The illuminated portion begins to decrease on the right side.
- Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Half of the moon is lit, but now on the left side.
- Waning Crescent – A diminishing sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle begins anew.
