Sturgeon Moon 2027: Meaning and Dates

Origin of the name

The giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most easily caught in August.

The Green Corn Moon and Grain Moon reflect the ripening harvest. The Red Moon name comes from the reddish tint the moon takes on rising through summer haze.

Viewing tips

The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August; a bright Sturgeon Moon near the peak washes out fainter meteors, so check the moon phase before planning a night out.

Lore and folklore

The huge sturgeon of the Great Lakes were easiest to catch in August, and the moon took their name. The Grain Moon and Green Corn Moon mark the start of harvest, and the Red Moon describes the rising August moon seen through summer haze.

Trivia

• The Perseid meteor shower peaks around August 12, so the Sturgeon Moon's phase decides how good the show is.
• Lake sturgeon can live more than a century and grow over two metres long.
• Perigee full moons often cluster in late summer, so the Sturgeon Moon is frequently a supermoon.