Tonight’s Sturgeon Moon set to be a stunning sight across Canada
This week’s full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, is set to shine brightly over the Canadian sky.
This upcoming Sturgeon Moon isn’t a supermoon, which usually appears significantly bigger and brighter, but it’ll be no less impressive. Space.com states that it’ll likely look large at moonrise due to moon illusion, a phenomenon that tricks the brain into thinking the moon looks bigger near the horizon.
When can you catch the full moon?
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Make sure to keep an eye on the sky starting Friday, as the Sturgeon Moon is expected to be visible until Saturday morning. And if you’re up for waking up super early on a weekend, you’ll be able to see the full moon at its brightest at 3:55 a.m. ET on Saturday, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. However, if you’re not exactly a morning person, don’t worry — it’s expected to still be a “spectacular view” on Friday night.
How did the full moon get its name?
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The full moon derives its name from the giant lake sturgeon, a native freshwater fish found in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Although they’re rarer today, the sturgeon used to be more abundant at this time of the season and was therefore a staple for Native Americans who lived in the region.
Friday night’s full moon also goes by other names: it’s known as the Flying Up Moon in Cree, as it’s the time when young birds learn to fly. It’s also called the Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, Ricing Moon, Black Cherries Moon, and Mountain Shadows Moon.
In addition to the full moon, the American Meteor Society states that there are currently three active meteor showers: the Southern delta Aquariids and the alpha Capricornids, which will be active until Aug. 12, and the Perseids, which are active until Aug. 23. Although a meteor shower along with a full moon would be an impressive sight, a bright moon can make it difficult to observe meteor showers.
So, don’t forget to take a moment to step outside or look out your window to soak up the magic of the evening sky.