The Sturgeon Moon was visible in the northern hemisphere on Tuesday, August 1. It was a perigean full moon, which occurs when the moon is full during its closest point in its orbit around the Earth, making it appear 8 percent larger and 16 percent brighter than a regular full moon.
Another rare blue supermoon will appear towards the end of the month on August 30. The Sturgeon Moon peaked in the southeast quadrant of the sky at 2:32 p.m. ET and was visible brilliantly right after sunset. It also happened to travel fairly close to Saturn. According to NASA, the Earth’s only natural satellite was 222,158 miles away during the Sturgeon Moon.
Tuesday’s supermoon is known as the Sturgeon because Native American tribes recognized that it corresponded with the season when gigantic sturgeons were “most readily caught” from the Great Lakes, according to the Farmer’s Almanac journal. Surprisingly, the year 2023 is set to have four supermoons. One already occurred on July 3 (the Buck Moon), and two more are scheduled for August. According to Space.com, the Sturgeon Moon will be seen next year on August 19.
Harvest Moon is another name for Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon gets its name from the sturgeon, a fish that can live for up to 150 years and has been around since the Jurassic period. It is native to the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain at this time of year and can survive in both freshwater and saltwater. Indeed, Native Americans believed that sturgeons could be easily caught during the supermoon season.
Other names for the lunar event include Full Red Moon, Harvest Moon, Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Rising Moon, Black Cherries Moon, Mountain Shadow Moon, and Flying Up Moon. According to Native American traditions, the Sturgeon Moon represents the end of some chapters and the beginning of others. They also think that this supermoon brings about essential endings in order to usher in a new and healthy beginning.
Experts explain the importance of the Sturgeon Moon
According to astrologer Brilla Samay, “This monthly event marks the pinnacle of the lunar cycle, unleashing unique energies and profound symbolism.” She also revealed to the news site how the supermoon will collide with the constellation Aquarius, implying that now is the ideal moment to start anything that people have been putting off, particularly those born under the sign of Aquarius. The astrologer also mentioned that this supermoon represents happiness and success.
Samay also believes that now is an excellent time for collaboration and teamwork, as well as open communication, investing in varied perspectives, and cultivating a sense of oneness.
The first supermoon of August, according to Samay, also represents authenticity, originality, nonconformity to societal norms, and honouring everyone’s unique journey. It is also said to be the ideal time to think outside the box, break free from old habits, and seek new and creative alternatives. It also denotes power, generosity, and wisdom.
According to spiritualityhealth.com, the Sturgeon Moon comes with the cosmic energy of rising over the bound-up emotions and memories and embracing the true parts of ourselves and engaging in self-discovery, just as the fish stays at the bottom of the lake year-round, stirs up the floor while forging, and only rises to the surface in August.
In a similar vein, astrologer WaxyJo of the podcast Ask The Answer told Pop Sugar that the August full moon is a time to take a step back, appreciate life, and show thanks for nature’s bounty.
