August Full Moon to Shine Over Ireland This Weekend

Ireland’s skies will be graced by the full moon this weekend, with the lunar event reaching its peak at 8.55am on Saturday, August 9. Known as the Sturgeon Moon, it will appear full to observers on both Friday night and Saturday night.

The August full moon will be approximately 364,000 kilometres from Earth at the time it reaches full phase. This is a little closer than the moon’s average distance from Earth, which is about 384,400 kilometres, but not close enough to be considered a supermoon.

Why Is It Called the Sturgeon Moon?

The name Sturgeon Moon has its roots in Native American and early European settler traditions. It refers to the time of year when sturgeon, large fish found in North American lakes and rivers, were most easily caught. The name has since been adopted into modern calendars through publications like the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Across different cultures, the August full moon has carried other names as well. In parts of Europe it was called the Grain Moon, marking the main grain harvest. Some Indigenous American groups called it the Green Corn Moon, referring to the ripening of early crops.

Irish Traditions and the August Moon

In Ireland, the August full moon often coincides with Lughnasadh, a traditional festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. While ancient Irish calendars did not name individual full moons, this time of year was deeply significant as communities celebrated the first fruits of the land with fairs, games and feasting.

When and Where to See It

Although the moon will be at its fullest at 8.55am on Saturday, it will not be visible at that exact moment from Ireland, as it will be below the horizon. The best time to view it will be on the nights of Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9, when it rises in the southeast shortly after sunset.

For the clearest view, find a spot with an open view of the horizon and hope for cloud-free conditions. When low in the sky, the moon may appear unusually large due to the natural optical illusion that occurs near the horizon.