Observing the Celestial Events This Week
This week, sky-watchers across the United States have a unique opportunity to witness the full moon and several planetary alignments. The full moon, known as the sturgeon moon, will reach its peak illumination on Saturday morning at 3:55 a.m. ET. While it is best viewed in areas with minimal light pollution, even city dwellers can enjoy its brilliance.
Kelsey Young, a lunar science expert from NASA’s Artemis II mission, explains that while the moon will be at its fullest during the early hours of Saturday, it will appear full for several days. “Even if you’re not up late, you can still catch a glimpse of the full moon, especially if you’re away from city lights,” she said.
The name “sturgeon moon” comes from historical records indicating that this time of year marks when sturgeon fish are most plentiful. Indigenous tribes also have their own names for this event. The Cree refer to it as the flying up moon, symbolizing the time when young birds begin to learn how to fly. Meanwhile, the Assiniboine people call it the black cherries moon, marking the ripening of cherries.
Meteor Showers and Planetary Alignments
In addition to the full moon, three meteor showers will be active this week: the Southern Delta Aquariids, Alpha Capricornids, and Perseids. Although the first two reached their peaks last week, the Perseid shower is expected to peak next week. However, due to the bright light of the full moon, these meteor showers may not be easily visible.
Despite this, there are still opportunities to observe other celestial bodies. Venus and Jupiter will be visible in the early morning hours throughout August, appearing close together on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. This rare alignment offers a stunning sight for amateur astronomers.
Later in the month, Mercury will become visible 20 to 30 degrees below Venus on the horizon. Mars can also be seen if you look west shortly after sunset. These planets offer an excellent chance to explore the night sky without the need for advanced equipment.
Upcoming Full Moons and Eclipses
This year will see four more full moons, with supermoons occurring in October, November, and December. Supermoons happen when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the remaining full moons in 2025 will be:
- September 7: Corn moon
- October 6: Harvest moon
- November 5: Beaver moon
- December 4: Cold moon
These events provide ongoing opportunities for sky-watchers to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
Lunar and Solar Eclipses in 2025
As summer draws to a close, two eclipse events will take place. A total lunar eclipse will be visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, parts of eastern South America, Alaska, and Antarctica on September 7 and 8. During a lunar eclipse, the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, causing it to appear darker or dimmed. When the moon enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, sunlight refracts around the Earth, giving the moon a reddish hue—often referred to as a “blood moon.”
Two weeks later, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Australia, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Antarctica on September 21. In a partial solar eclipse, the moon does not fully block out the sun, creating a crescent shape that resembles the moon taking a bite out of the sun.
Tips for Observing the Night Sky
For those interested in astronomy, there are several ways to enhance the viewing experience. Using a telescope or binoculars can help spot details on the moon’s surface and identify fainter stars. Additionally, apps like Star Walk or SkySafari can help locate planets and constellations in real-time.
It is also recommended to check local astronomy clubs or observatories for guided stargazing events. These gatherings often provide valuable insights and equipment for beginners.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or just starting out, the upcoming celestial events offer a wonderful chance to connect with the universe and appreciate the wonders of the night sky.
