The 2026 Sturgeon Moon will rise on 28 August, giving moongazers across the world the chance to see a beautiful full Moon skimming the horizon.
But that's not all. The 2026 Sturgeon Moon will be a partial lunar eclipse, meaning part of the Moon will turn a deep red colour.
The Sturgeon Moon is the August full Moon, the ninth full Moon of 2026, rising on 28 August around sunset.
Why Sturgeon Moon?
The term 'Sturgeon Moon' is one of many nicknames given to monthly full Moons, which reflect key changes or events in nature occurring during the month in question.
August's full Moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon because this is the time of year when sturgeon fish were most plentiful and easiest to catch in the Great Lakes of North America.
The name reflects both the ecological cycle – as sturgeon would come into shallower waters in August – and the cultural importance of the fish as a food source in North America.
Other names for the August full Moon are Lynx Moon, Grain Moon and Corn Moon.
It's important to remember, however, that these nicknames don't indicate the full Moon will look different to any other full Moon of the year.
Nevertheless, full Moon names are a reminder of the changing of the seasons and the importance placed on the phases of the Moon by various cultures throughout history.
Observing the 2026 Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon rises in the southeast around sunset, which happens because the Moon will be opposite the Sun in the sky.
It will then set in the southwest after sunrise the following morning.
The Sturgeon Moon is located in the constellation Aquarius, and won't rise very high above the horizon.
That means there'll be a chance to observe a phenomenon known as the Moon illusion, whereby the Moon looks enormous when it's close to the horizon.
This is an optical illusion: the Moon is in reality no bigger than when you observe it high up in the sky.
Take a look at the Sturgeon Moon. Does it look huge to you?
Full Moon is also a good time to observe features known as lunar rays.
For more info, read our guide on how to make the most of a full Moon.
The Sturgeon Moon lunar eclipse
In 2026, the Sturgeon Moon will undergo a partial lunar eclipse, which means that part of the Moon will be basked in a deep red shadow as Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun.
Nowhere on Earth will get to see this as a total lunar eclipse; it will be a partial lunar eclipse for everyone who's able to see it.
The best places to see it will be South America, Central America and the eastern half of North America – indeed, US and Canada observers will get a much better view of this lunar eclipse than they did of the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse.
Western US states and Canadian provinces will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on 27/28 August, but those in eastern parts will see a much deeper lunar eclipse.
Similarly, all of Europe and Africa will see the lunar eclipse, but the further west you are on the two continents, the deeper a lunar eclipse you'll see.
The Moon will rise in the eastern part of the sky at sunset on 27 August and set in the western part of the sky around sunrise on 28 August.
It will track across the southern sky throughout the night and the lunar eclipse will occur before or after midnight – i.e. either on 27 or 28 August – depending on where you're observing from
Here are the key timings for the August 2026 lunar eclipse in UTC – you'll need to convert them into your own local timezone.
Be aware – for some regions like the UK, the Moon will be below the horizon before the eclipse ends.
| Stage | Time (UTC) | Effect on the Moon |
|---|---|---|
| First penumbral contact | 01:24 | Subtle dimming |
| First umbral contact | 02:34 | 'Bite' appears |
| Greatest eclipse | 04:13 | 96% of Moon in Earth's shadow |
| Umbral contact ends | 05:52 | Moon exits umbra shadow |
| Penumbral contact ends | 07:02 | Eclipse ends |
Share your Sturgeon Moon and lunar eclipse images and stories with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
