Sturgeon Moon 2026: When to See the Red Full Moon in August
Listen to the story
Every August, the full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon. It gets this name because sturgeon, a large fish, were often caught during this month in the past.
In 2026, this full moon will be extra special. A lunar eclipse will happen soon after a solar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching it.
During the eclipse, the moon does not disappear completely. Instead, it can turn a reddish color. This is often called a blood moon. The red color happens because sunlight bends around the Earth and reaches the moon in a special way.
The Sturgeon Moon is one of several full moons that have traditional names, based on nature or the seasons. Other examples include the Wolf Moon in January and the Harvest Moon in autumn.
People who enjoy stargazing are already excited about this event. To see the moon clearly, it helps to find a place with little light pollution and a clear view of the sky.
Experts say the best time to watch is when the moon is fully risen and the sky is dark. Photographers also like to capture the reddish glow during a lunar eclipse.
This rare combination of the Sturgeon Moon and a lunar eclipse will give sky watchers a special view in August 2026. Many people are planning to watch the sky that night.
Vocabulary6 words
- Sturgeon Moon
- the full moon in August
- lunar eclipse
- when Earth's shadow covers the moon
- solar eclipse
- when the moon covers the sun
- blood moon
- a moon that looks red during an eclipse
- stargazing
- watching stars and the sky at night
- light pollution
- too much artificial light that hides the stars
Quiz
Answer key
1. Because sturgeon fish were caught in August 2. Sunlight bending around the Earth 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Every August, the full moon is known as the _____. It gets this name because sturgeon, a large fish, were often caught during this month in the past.
In 2026, this full moon will be extra special. A _____ will happen soon after a _____.
During the eclipse, the moon does not disappear completely. Instead, it can turn a reddish color. This is often called a _____.
People who enjoy _____ are already excited about this event. To see the moon clearly, it helps to find a place with little _____ and a clear view of the sky.
This rare combination of the Sturgeon Moon and a lunar eclipse will give sky watchers a special view in August 2026.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever watched a full moon or an eclipse? What was it like?
- Why do you think people give names to full moons, like the Sturgeon Moon?
- Would you travel somewhere to get a better view of an eclipse? Why or why not?
- What other natural events in the sky interest you?