August Full Moon 2026: Sturgeon Moon Dims During a Lunar Eclipse
Don’t miss the August Sturgeon Moon, rising on August 28, 2026! Traditionally named after the sturgeon fish most plentiful in North America this time of year, this Full Moon will glow in the constellation Aquarius. What makes it extra special is a partial lunar eclipse, during which the Moon’s surface will darken for a while. Want to know exactly when and where to look from your location? Use the Sky Tonight app!
Contents
- Moon Phases: August 2026
- August Full Moon and the Partial Lunar Eclipse
- When Is the Next Full Moon 2026?
- What Zodiac Sign Is the August Full Moon in?
- August Full Moon Name
- When Is the Full Moon in August 2026: Bottom Line
Moon Phases: August 2026
- Last Quarter: August 6, 02:21 GMT
- New Moon: August 12, 17:37 GMT
- First Quarter: August 20, 02:46 GMT
- Full Moon: August 28, 04:18 GMT
Check out our interactive lunar calendar online for more details. Or use the Moon tab in the calendar of the Sky Tonight astronomy app. There, you can learn the lunar phase, illumination, moonset and moonrise times, and even the Moon's angular size for every day of the chosen month. Watch our video tutorial to learn more about the calendar and its features.
When Is the Full Moon in August 2026?
The Moon will reach its full phase on August 28, at 04:18 GMT. But don’t worry if you miss this exact moment — the Moon will appear full the night before and after as well.
When Is the New Moon in August 2026?
The New Moon on August 12, at 17:37 GMT will bring ideal conditions for stargazing, with a dark sky perfect for spotting faint celestial objects. For example, you can catch some late August meteors.
Also, you can explore deep-sky objects visible in August or find other great targets for your location. Not sure what to observe in your sky now? The Visible Tonight feature in the Sky Tonight app will guide you to the best sights in the night sky!
August Full Moon and the Partial Lunar Eclipse
The Full Sturgeon Moon on August 28 will be accompanied by a deep partial lunar eclipse. During this event, Earth’s shadow will cover up to 96% of the lunar surface. The Moon won’t disappear from the sky, but instead it will darken for a while. This event will be visible to the naked eye; however binoculars or a telescope will help explore the details on the lunar surface.
The eclipse will be visible from 02:33 to 05:52 GMT across much of the globe, including Europe, Western Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.
If the eclipse isn’t visible in your area, don’t be discouraged – there are more celestial shows to look forward to. Check out our regularly updated infographic on the next 5 eclipses so you’ll know when and where to catch the next big one!
When Is the Next Full Moon 2026?
The next Full Moon after the Full Moon on August 28, 2026, occurs on September 26, at 16:49 GMT. It’s the closest Full Moon to the September equinox, traditionally called the Harvest Moon.
When Is the Next Sturgeon Moon?
The Sturgeon Moon is a traditional name for the Full Moon in August. In 2026, the Sturgeon Moon will occur on August 28. After that, the next Sturgeon Moon will be on August 17, 2027.
What Zodiac Sign Is the August Full Moon in?
Depending on the year, the August Full Moon can be in one of two zodiac constellations: Capricornus or Aquarius. In 2026, it will be in the constellation Aquarius. Check the Moon’s position in the real sky above you with the help of Star Walk 2 and Sky Tonight.
Some astrologers claim that the August 2026 Full Moon is in Pisces. However, zodiac signs don’t always correspond with zodiac constellations. Check out our colorful infographic to learn the difference.
August Full Moon Name
Sturgeon Moon Meaning
The August Full Moon is called the Sturgeon Moon, which is the traditional name for the Full Moon this month. Most known names for the Full Moon come from Native Americans, who based them on the features of a particular month. For many tribes living around the Great Lakes, August was traditionally the time to fish for sturgeon, hence the name for the August Full Moon.
A sturgeon is a large freshwater fish that has been living on the Earth since prehistoric times. Since then, they haven’t undergone any significant changes: some even call them living fossils. They can grow to over 2-3.5 meters long and weigh around 90 kilos. Female sturgeons can live up to 150 years; it takes them about 20 years to start reproducing, and they can only have offspring every four years.
There are about 26 sturgeon species worldwide, and all of them are endangered due to intense overfishing and water pollution. Let the name of the August Full Moon be a reminder to take care of nature.
Sturgeon Moon: Spiritual Meaning
The Sturgeon Moon may be seen as a time when nature’s hidden energies stir – just as sturgeons rise from deep waters, buried emotions or parts of ourselves might surface. On hot summer days in the Northern Hemisphere, there’s often a mix of excitement, emotional intensity, and sometimes exhaustion – this Moon invites us to notice what’s beneath, not suppress it. Many traditions say this is a good time to reveal what’s been hidden and show gentleness to the parts of ourselves we’ve pushed away.
While none of this has scientific proof, these meanings are folk wisdom, reminders to feel deeply, and embrace the changes that August brings.
Raksha Bandhan Moon
In Hindu culture, the August Full Moon marks the popular festival of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie rakhis (decorative threads) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection. The term “Raksha Bandhan” means “knot of protection” in Sanskrit, highlighting the festival’s deeper meaning. Beyond siblings, rakhis are also exchanged among friends and neighbors.
The festival is celebrated on the Full Moon of Shravana, the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, which falls between mid-July and late August.
August Full Moon Alternative Names
The Full Moon in August also marked the start of a harvesting season in the Northern Hemisphere. Native American names for the August Full Moon include Corn Moon, Ricing Moon, and Black Cherries Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it the Grain Moon.
Among the Cree people, the August Full Moon was known as the Flying Up Moon because the young birds learn to fly around this time. Many cultures also call it the Red Moon because of the reddish shade the Moon acquires in the late summer haze.
The other alternative names for the August Full Moon include:
- Chinese: Harvest Moon
- Celtic: Dispute Moon
- Wiccan: Herbal Moon
- Cherokee: Fruit Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Snow Moon, Storm Moon, Hunger Moon, Wolf Moon
When Is the Full Moon in August 2026: Bottom Line
The August Full Moon will occur on August 28, 2026, at 04:18 GMT. It is known as the Sturgeon Moon, so named by the Native American tribes who fished for lake sturgeon, which were most abundant in late summer. This year, the Full Moon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, during which 96% of the Moon's surface will be darkened by Earth's shadow. Learn the best time to view the eclipse in your location with the free Star Walk 2 app. Clear skies and happy stargazing!
