The next full moon will be the August sturgeon moon, set to rise on Aug. 9, amid the Mercury retrograde and just before the popular Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak.
Before the full moon, this weekend’s sky will be ablaze with zooming fireballs and shooting stars from three different meteor showers all at the same time — including Perseids. Here’s when and what to know.
Here’s what to know about the next full moon, and when to watch the meteor showers in this weekend’s sky.
When is the full sturgeon moon in Texas in August 2025?
Peak illumination does not always coincide with the best viewing time, which occurs after the sun has fully set.
Peak illumination marks the moment when the full moon is perfectly opposite the sun in the sky, reaching its maximum brightness. However, since the moon rises in the east as the sun sets in the west, it won’t be fully visible until after sunset. In some cases, peak illumination can even occur in the morning or midday, making those times less ideal for viewing.
Why is August’s full moon called the sturgeon moon?
The sturgeon moon is named after the giant fish because they were abundant and easy to catch in the Great Lakes during late summer.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the sturgeon moon is directly related to giant-sized lake sturgeon, a North American freshwater fish that was common throughout the Mississippi River Basin, the Great Lakes and in Lake Champlain. It was once considered an important food staple for Native American tribes and the settlers that lived in the region, but has become quite rare due to overfishing.
The most common sturgeon found in the Great Lakes is lake sturgeon, which can grow over 6 feet long and weigh around 200 pounds.
What are the moon phases for August 2025?
When is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower of July 2025 is active from July 17 through Aug. 23 and will peak on the night of Aug 12-13. This will be very close to the August full moon — Aug. 9.
According to the American Meteor Society, the Perseids’ potential can reach 50-75 shooting meteors per hour for stargazers, and they will be best viewed after midnight. Note that they can appear from any direction.
Will the Perseid meteor shower be visible in Texas?
Unless clouds obstruct the view, Texans will have the opportunity to see the meteor shower’s peak in mid-August. The best viewing will be during the pre-dawn hours, from around 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., when the sky is darkest.
What does it mean when a full moon falls on a special occasion?
When a full moon coincides with a significant event, it is often regarded as a powerful symbol.
For a birthday, it can signify emotional growth and new beginnings. A wedding under a full moon is thought to bring harmony, love and good luck. A birth on a full moon may suggest that the child has strong emotional depth and intuition. In all cases, the full moon adds an element of illumination, transformation and positive energy to the event.
When a full moon coincides with the death of a loved one, it can represent closure and transition. The full moon is often associated with endings and completions, making it a poignant time for letting go. Some believe it offers a sense of emotional clarity, helping loved ones find peace and healing.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is the next full moon? Will the Perseid meteor shower be visible this weekend?
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison and Maria Francis, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
