The full moon in August, set to occur on August 19, is known by multiple names including supermoon, blue moon, and sturgeon moon. The supermoon designation comes from the moon’s orbit being slightly closer to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. A blue moon has several definitions, with this one being the third of four full moons in a season, a somewhat rare event. The next super blue moon is not expected until January 2037. The full moon is set to peak at 2:26 p.m. EDT on Monday but will appear full for three days. A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth during its full phase. The blue moon designation is related to the number of full moons in a season, with this one being of the seasonal variety. The sturgeon moon, named by Native Americans, refers to the abundance of sturgeon fish that were once found during this time of year. However, the decline in sturgeon populations due to overfishing and habitat loss has made this association less relevant today. Overall, the August full moon is a rare and visually striking event with various cultural and astronomical meanings.
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