Sturgeon Supermoon: what time, where, and how to see the most beautiful moon in August

Every August, an astronomical phenomenon occurs that, aside from being impressive to witness, has a connection to ancient cultures. We are talking about the Sturgeon Supermoon, and we will tell you everything you need to know about it.

To understand what the Sturgeon Supermoon is, it's important to highlight that it is a combination of two astronomical concepts: a "supermoon" (which happens several times a year) and the "Sturgeon Moon."

The phenomenon of the supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its perigee, meaning that it is at the point in its elliptical orbit closest to Earth. When this happens, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon due to its proximity to Earth.

On the other hand, the name "Sturgeon Moon" comes from the traditions of Native American tribes, who named each full moon according to the natural events occurring at that time of year, and in August, it was common to fish for sturgeons in the northern part of the continent. The full moon was the source of light for nighttime hunting, especially in the Great Lakes region, currently Michigan. For this reason, when the August full moon coincides with a supermoon, it is called the "Sturgeon Supermoon."

The Sturgeon Supermoon will be visible on August 19, and while it will reach its peak illumination in the early morning hours, it can be appreciated starting from sunset on the 18th. The supermoon will be visible to the naked eye anywhere in the world, but depending on the weather conditions in each place, the experience may vary because it's essential to have a clear and cloudless sky for optimal visibility.

To observe the Sturgeon Supermoon in its full glory, it's crucial to find a place away from light pollution, such as rural areas, mountains, or beaches. In Los Angeles, some ideal spots to observe this phenomenon are Griffith Park or the beaches around Santa Monica, and in New York, Prospect Park and the Highlands are two nature-surrounded locations perfect for appreciating the supermoon.

Observing a supermoon directly is completely safe and poses no danger to eyesight. Unlike the sun, the light reflected by the moon, even when it is at its brightest during a supermoon, is not intense enough to cause eye damage, so no special precautions are needed for viewing it with the naked eye.