A full “sturgeon” moon will peak soon over Pennsylvania, and residents can also enjoy viewing the peak of a popular meteor shower soon after.
This month’s moon is referred to as the “sturgeon moon” because of the abundance of fish typically found in late summer, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. Many moon names come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
In addition to the sturgeon moon, August will bring the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, which the American Meteor Society describes as “the most popular meteor shower” of the year.
The Perseids will peak overnight Aug. 12 into the following morning, the American Meteor Society reports. The Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 14 and will end Sept. 1. The waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce the shower’s visibility this year, so you might only be able to see the Perseid’s brightest meteors.
Here’s when to see this year’s sturgeon moon over Pennsylvania, plus when to catch more full moons in 2025:
When will the sturgeon moon peak?
The sturgeon moon will peak at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
According to WTAE’s forecast, Saturday night will be mostly clear, with a few clouds around the Pittsburgh region. Temperatures will drop to about the high 60s, with winds light and variable. There is a 10% chance of rain.
The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze Friday night, you can expect partly cloudy conditions with a low of 66 degrees and winds from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday evening will be partly cloudy with a low of 69 degrees, with light winds. There will be a 20% chance of rain.
When to see more full moons in 2025
After the sturgeon moon, stargazers will have four more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
• Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon
• Monday, Oct. 6: Hunter’s moon (supermoon)
• Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon)
• Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon)
