Srinagar, Aug 07: The full moon in August is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name rooted in the seasonal rhythms of the Great Lakes region in North America. According to TimeandDate, the name reflects the historical abundance of sturgeon fish during this time of year, when they were most easily caught.
The lake sturgeon is a fascinating freshwater species—males can live up to 55 years, while females can reach 150 years. These ancient fish can grow over 2 meters long and weigh as much as 90 kilograms.
The Center for Native American Studies stated that it’s called the Wild Rice Moon by the Anishinaabe people. According to NASA, it is known as the Green Corn and Grain Moon elsewhere in North America.
As The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains, the name “Sturgeon Moon” comes from the giant lake sturgeon once found in large numbers in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. They were a vital food source for Native American communities during late summer. Though once plentiful, lake sturgeon are far less common today due to habitat loss and overfishing.
On August 9, Venus and Jupiter will appear close together in the eastern pre-dawn sky, creating a rare celestial event. The Moon will make a close pass to Saturn and Neptune on August 12, although only Saturn will be visible to the naked eye.
