Names of the Moon (August and September 2024)

Strawberry Moon on June 21, 2024

The Moon is the easiest object in the day and night sky to gaze upon.    When the moon is fully illuminated, it is called the "Full Moon".   The Full moon takes place every 29.5 days, or roughly once a month.    

Each Full Moon has been given a name.   The names of the full moon has its origins rooted in human cultures around the world.   Here in North America, the names of the moon come from Native American culture, Colonial America, and other traditional sources.  These names were used to track the seasons and reflect nature’s signs. Here are the commonly used full moon names for each month:

• January: Wolf Moon - Named after the howling of wolves during this time of year.
• February: Snow Moon - Reflects the heavy snowfall typically seen in February.
• March: Worm Moon - Named after the earthworms that appear as the ground thaws.
• April: Pink Moon - Named after the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring.
• May: Flower Moon - Represents the abundance of flowers during this month.
• June: Strawberry Moon - Named after the strawberry harvest in June.
• July: Buck Moon - Named for the time when male deer grow new antlers.
• August: Sturgeon Moon - Named after the sturgeon fish that were abundant during this time.
• September: Harvest Moon - Reflects the time of the main harvest.
• October: Hunter’s Moon - Named for the time when hunting was easier under the bright moonlight.
• November: Beaver Moon - Named after the time when beavers are active in preparation for winter.
• December: Cold Moon - Reflects the cold winter nights.
  
  

STURGEON MOON - AUGUST 19, 2024

On August 19th 2024,, we will experience the Sturgeon Moon.  This name originates from Native American tribes, particularly those around the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, where the sturgeon fish were most abundant during this time of year.

Sturgeon at Night - AI Generated by Adobe Firefly

The sturgeon is a large freshwater fish, often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage.  The Sturgeon Moon is also known by other names such as the **Grain Moon**, **Corn Moon**, **Lynx Moon**, and **Lightning Moon**, reflecting various cultural and seasonal aspects.

This year, the Sturgeon Moon will peak on August 19, 2024, and it also be a supermoon.   A supermoon is when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit and can appear brighter and larger in the night sky.

HARVEST MOON - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Harvesting at Night under Full Moon - AI Generated by Adobe Firefly

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which falls this year on September 22nd, 2024. Unlike other full moon names, the Harvest Moon is not tied to a specific month but rather to the timing of the equinox. This means it can occur in either September or October, depending on the lunar cycle.

One of the unique features of the Harvest Moon is that it rises soon after sunset for several consecutive nights, providing an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening. This extended period of moonlight was historically beneficial to farmers, allowing them to work longer hours harvesting their crops, hence the name "Harvest Moon".

This year, the Harvest Moon will appear on September 16, 2024, and will reach its peak illumination at 10:34 PM EDT on September 17, 2024.

So, if you get a chance, check out the full moon and snaps some pictures!   Until next time, happy moon observing!  Take care,  -Erik

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