CINCINNATI (WKRC) - August's full moon will take to the night sky this week and it's the fourth and final supermoon of the year.
The Sturgeon Moon, named for the giant sturgeon that are most easily caught in the Great Lakes this time of the year, is the fourth supermoon in a row after the Buck Moon in July, Strawberry Moon in June and Flower Moon in May.
Astronomers call the phenomenon a "supermoon" because it occurs when it orbit is closest to the Earth. The supermoon will appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter than usual.
Because of its closer proximity to Earth, the mountains and craters on the lunar surface will be much more visible than usual.
When can you see it?
The moon will officially become full on Wednesday, but the Sturgeon Moon will peak around 9:36 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
It coincides with the Perseids meteor shower. The most popular annual meteor shower, which is active from July to September, will peak between Friday and Saturday.
The next supermoons are expected August 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023.
What's next?
Here are all of the full moons in 2022 and their names:
- Jan. 17 - Wolf Moon
- Feb. 16 - Snow Moon
- March 18 - Worm Moon
- April 16 - Pink Moon
- May 16 - Flower Moon
- June 14 - Strawberry Moon
- July 13 - Buck Moon
- Aug. 12 - Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 10 - Harvest Moon
- Oct. 9 - Hunter's Moon
- Nov. 8 - Beaver Moon
- Dec. 8 - Cold Moon