US Full Moon Calendar: August 2025

August’s Full Moon Approaches: When and Where to Witness This Celestial Spectacle

Breaking News: Skygazers are gearing up for a captivating lunar event as August’s Full Moon approaches. In the United States, the Griffith Observatory will offer prime viewing opportunities on August 9th, starting at 00:55 Pacific Standard Time (PDT).

Evergreen Insight: The moon, Earth’s constant companion, cycles through eight distinct phases, with approximately a week separating each. This predictable rhythm is a essential aspect of our celestial neighborhood, influencing tides and captivating humanity for millennia. Understanding these phases allows us to better appreciate the dynamic relationship between Earth and its moon, a spectacle that unfolds every night.

following the August Full Moon,the lunar calendar for 2025 will feature three more full moons,gracing the skies in September,October,November,and December.

Evergreen Insight: The concept of a lunar calendar is ancient, used by numerous cultures to track time, guide agricultural practices, and schedule religious observances. While our modern Gregorian calendar is solar-based, the moon’s phases remain a potent symbol of cycles, renewal, and the passage of time. Observing the full moon is a timeless ritual, connecting us to generations who have marveled at its luminescence.

According to NASA, the eight lunar phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. While all eight are fascinating, four stand out as the primary milestones in the lunar cycle:

New Moon: The begining of the lunar cycle, when the moon is not visible from Earth.
First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated, and it appears as a half-circle.
full Moon: The entire face of the moon is illuminated.
Last Quarter: Again,half of the moon is illuminated,but it’s the opposite half from the First Quarter.

Evergreen Insight: The new moon, though invisible, marks the start of a new lunar cycle, a time often associated with new beginnings and setting intentions. The quarter moons represent phases of growth and waning, mirroring natural processes of growth and decline. The full moon, a moment of peak illumination, has historically been linked to heightened energy, emotional intensity, and a sense of completion. These phases serve as a constant reminder of the rhythms of nature and the interconnectedness of celestial events with earthly experiences.

What time will the Sturgeon Moon reach peak illumination on August 17th, 2025, in UTC?

August 2025 Full Moon Details

The full moon in August 2025, often called the Sturgeon Moon, will reach peak illumination on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at 11:26 PM EDT (03:26 UTC). This full moon will be visible across the entire United states (US), USA, and America – remember, these terms are often used interchangeably, though “America” originally referred to the entire continent (as per recent findings).

Here’s a breakdown of key facts for observing the August 2025 full moon:

Moonrise: Times will vary depending on your location within the US. Check a local moonrise calculator (see “Resources” below) for precise timings.

Moonset: Similarly, moonset times are location-specific.

Moon Phase: Full Moon

Constellation: Aquarius

Visibility: Excellent across North America.

Percentage Illuminated: 100%

Understanding the Sturgeon Moon Name

The name “Sturgeon Moon” originates from Native American traditions. During this time of year, sturgeon fish were readily caught in the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, making it a plentiful harvest season. Different tribes had their own names for the august full moon, reflecting local customs and observations. Some alternative names include:

Grain Moon: Reflecting the harvest of summer grains.

Green Corn Moon: Associated with the ripening of corn.

Dog Days Moon: Coinciding with the hottest period of summer.

Full Moon Effects & Folklore

Throughout history, full moons have been linked to various beliefs and folklore. While scientific evidence doesn’t support many of these claims,they remain a interesting part of cultural tradition.

Tides: Full moons, along with new moons, create higher-than-usual tides (known as spring tides) due to the combined gravitational pull of the sun and moon. coastal areas should be aware of potential flooding.

Sleep: Some people report experiencing disrupted sleep during a full moon. Studies on this phenomenon are ongoing, with varying results.

Folklore: Traditionally, the full moon was believed to influence human behavior and even trigger unusual events. These beliefs vary widely across cultures.

Observing the August 2025 Full Moon: Tips & Tricks

Maximize your viewing experience with these tips:

1. Find a Dark Location: Escape city lights for the clearest view. Parks,rural areas,and beaches are ideal.
2. check the Weather: Clear skies are essential. Use a weather forecast specifically for astronomical viewing.
3. Use Binoculars or a Telescope: While the full moon is lovely to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will reveal craters and other surface details.
4. Moon Filters: Consider using a moon filter to reduce glare and enhance contrast.
5. Photography: Capture the beauty of the Sturgeon Moon with a camera. A tripod is recommended for sharp images. Experiment with long exposure settings.

Full Moon calendar – other US Full Moons in 2025

Here’s a quick reference for other full moon dates in 2025:

January 13th: Wolf Moon

February 12th: Snow Moon

March 14th: Worm Moon

April 12th: Pink Moon

May 11th: flower Moon

June 10th: Strawberry Moon

July 9th: Buck Moon

September 8th: Harvest Moon

October 7th: Hunter’s Moon

november 6th: Beaver Moon

December 5th: Cold Moon

Resources for US Moonrise/Moonset Times

Time and Date: https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa/

US Naval Observatory: https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Moon

Local Astronomy Clubs: Search online for astronomy clubs in your area for local events and viewing opportunities.