Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Tonight's Breathtaking Full Moon
- It's a Supermoon, So It's Going to Look Huge: This isn't just any full moon. It's a "supermoon," meaning the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Astronomers say it will appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter than a standard full moon—a genuinely unmissable sight for sky gazers.
- The Nickname is The "Sturgeon Moon": According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this full moon is historically called the "Sturgeon Moon" by Native American tribes. The name comes from the giant lake sturgeon fish that were once readily caught in the Great Lakes during this late-summer season. Expect all your astro and nature-loving friends to be dropping that tidbit tonight.
- Peak Brightness When the Sun Goes Down: The moon will reach its peak illumination at 8:54 PM EDT tonight. But the best time to look isn't necessarily that exact minute. You'll get the most dramatic views just after sunset (around 7:15-7:45 PM local time) as it rises on the eastern horizon. That's when the "moon illusion" will trick your brain into thinking it's even more massive.
- The Best Viewing Spots Are High and Open: Don't stress if you live in a city. While rural skies are obviously better, this supermoon is so bright it will cut through light pollution. For the ideal photo or viewing experience, find a high vantage point with an unobstructed eastern view—like a rooftop, a hill, or an open field away from tall buildings.
- Your Plans for Friday? Expect Weird Tides This Weekend: The supermoon's gravitational pull is notably stronger during a supermoon. This means coastal areas should prepare for higher-than-usual "king tides" over the next