The sturgeon moon will rise in SC soon. Here’s why you might not see it at its fullest
If you look forward to gazing at a full moon each month, August’s is just around the corner.
The full sturgeon moon will reach its peak at 2:26 p.m. on Aug. 19.
Since you won’t be able to see the moon at that time, look toward the skies that evening after sunset to catch a glimpse as it rises.
Why is it called the sturgeon moon?
“August’s full moon was traditionally called the sturgeon moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer,” described the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Why is this moon phase called a full moon?
Earth’s moon takes approximately 30 days, or one month, to revolve around the Earth, which is what is called a lunar cycle, detailed NASA.
A full moon is one of eight moon phases, also called lunar phases, and occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun during its monthly orbit and the light fully illuminates the moon.
Will it impact tides along coastal South Carolina?
Those living in coastal regions of South Carolina can expect to experience spring tides due to this month’s full moon.
With the onset of an upcoming full moon, local tides will be impacted and will act as spring tides.
A spring tide is “a tide just after a new or full moon, when there is the greatest difference between high and low water,” as detailed by the Oxford Dictionary.
Tide height comparisons for June showing their relation to the moon’s phase can be found at Tidetime.org for three coastal South Carolina locations at the following hyperlinks:
August 2024 moon phases
New Moon: Aug. 4
First Quarter: Aug. 12
Full Moon: Aug. 19
Last Quarter: Aug. 26
The Full Moon schedule for 2024
Here is a list of all the full moons that will take place this year and their peak illumination times in the Eastern Time Zone, according to timeanddate.com.
Aug. 19: This full moon will occur at 2:25 p.m. It’s called the sturgeon moon.
Sept. 17: This moon will occur at 10:34 p.m. It’s called the corn/harvest moon.
Oct. 17: This moon will occur at 7:26 a.m. It’s called the hunter’s moon.
Nov. 15: This full moon will occur at 4:28 p.m. It’s called the beaver moon.
Dec. 15: This full moon will occur at 4:01 a.m. It’s called the cold moon
This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
