- The August full moon, nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, is expected to reach its peak on August 9, 2025, at 3:57 a.m. ET.
- This full moon is special because it is set to be followed by a multi-planet alignment, visible to the naked eye just before sunrise.
- This alignment is rare because it is anticipated to include a minimum of three planets and a maximum of six, which only occurs every few years.
Keep one eye to the sky this weekend because it's set to be full of celestial wonders. And no, we're not just talking about Saturday's affectionately nicknamed full moon. On August 10, we are expected to experience a planetary phenomenon that only occurs every few years. Here's everything we know about the next full and how to view it.
When is the full moon in August?
Like clockwork, a full moon occurs roughly every month, following a cycle that lasts 29.5 days. This monthly peak carries a unique name, depending on the month it occurs. August's full moon is nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, and is associated with August because sturgeon fish used to be found in abundance in the Great Lakes during the late summer month.
This month's full moon is set to appear on August 8 and 9, 2025, and is estimated to reach peak illumination at 3:55 a.m. EDT on August 9, but depending on your timezone, you may catch its peak on August 8. If you're hoping to see a glimpse of the Sturgeon Moon, here are the best times to view it, based on your time zone.
Peak Full Moon Viewing Per Time Zone:
- Eastern Time (EDT): 3:57 a.m.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 2:57 a.m.
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 1:57 a.m.
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 12:57 a.m.
- Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT): 11:57 p.m.
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HDT): 10:57 p.m.
- Hawaiian Standard Time (HST): 9:57 p.m.
What other special event is happening?
Starting on August 10, and continuing throughout the month, up to six planets are set to align. According to NASA, this event is particularly special because planet parades only occur every few years; the greater the number of planets, the rarer it is to take place.
At least three planets are set to be in alignment this weekend, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, with the potential inclusion of Mercury, Uranus and Neptune. Of these, four are said to be visible to the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. However, if you're looking for peak visibility, that's reportedly set to happen later in the month.
To see this rare phenomenon, you should look up at the sky about an hour before sunrise.
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
