- Dates and details of the lunar phases: waxing, full, waning, and new moon.
- Meaning and tradition of the "Sturgeon Moon" and its relationship with nature.
- Impact of the moon on agriculture, fishing, and rituals such as haircutting.
- Tips for astronomical observation and taking advantage of the lunar phases.
August marks one of the most special times for those who follow the lunar calendar.Whether for astronomical, agricultural, or even personal beauty purposes, knowing the phases of the Moon during this month allows you to anticipate celestial spectacles, rituals, and even plan activities that many cultures consider influenced by the satellite's position.
Throughout the month, the Moon will go through its different phases: waxing, full, waning, and new moon, each with specific dates and characteristics. These influence not only the satellite's visibility, but also popular beliefs about hair growth, planting, or fishing. Below, we review in detail when these phases occur, what the meaning of the moon means, and what the moon's meaning is. sturgeon moon and how to make the most of this astronomical calendar.
Key dates: lunar phases in August
The August lunar cycle follows the traditional pattern, although this year there is a peculiarity: the first quarter moon is observed twice. The exact dates, in official time for the Iberian Peninsula, Ceuta, Melilla, and the Balearic Islands, are as follows:
- August 1th, XNUMX: First Quarter (Scorpio, 14:41)
- August 9th, XNUMX: Full Moon (Aquarius, 9:55)
- August 16th, XNUMX: Last quarter (Taurus, 7:12)
- August 23th, XNUMX: New Moon (Virgo, 8:06)
- August 31th, XNUMX: First Quarter (Sagittarius, 8:25)
These days mark the rhythm of different astronomical phenomena, and are also a reference for those seeking to take advantage of the benefits of each lunar phase in everyday tasks.
August Full Moon: The Sturgeon Moon
The full moon of August has been called for centuries Sturgeon MoonThis term originated among the indigenous inhabitants of the areas near the Great Lakes of North America, who observed that this was the time when sturgeons began their reproductive cycle. For these communities, the coincidence of the full moon with the beginning of this fish's abundance marked a key period for fishing and sustenance.
Furthermore, this full moon is often associated with the harvest of certain crops in the Northern Hemisphere, which is why it is also called the "Green Corn Moon" or "Barley Moon" in other agricultural traditions. In 2025, this full moon will occur on Saturday the 9th, when a superluna: The Moon will appear larger and brighter because it is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.
Other notable astronomical events in August
The month is also marked by the famous Perseid meteor shower, known as the "Tears of Saint Lawrence." The peak of activity will be on the night of August 12-13, when the Moon will be in its waning phase, which favors the visibility of the faintest meteors, provided you find a location free from light pollution.
During August you can also see them conjunctions and alignments with planets like Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. In addition, observing star clusters and nebulae is recommended in the days surrounding the new moon, as the absence of moonlight allows for a better appreciation of the depth of the night sky.
The lunar calendar and its practical applications
The influence of the Moon It has been the subject of beliefs and rituals for centuries. Farmers and fishermen continue to use it as a guide: the first quarter is associated with the planting of leafy crops and vegetative growth; the full moon is considered ideal for harvesting fruits; and the waning moon is considered ideal for pruning and clearing land. In fishing, the full and new moons are often associated with increased fish activity.
A traditional method is getting your hair cut on specific daysAlthough there's no scientific backing, many people believe that doing so during the waxing moon promotes hair growth and strength, while during the waning moon it slows down. In August, the recommended dates to stimulate hair growth are from the 1st to the 8th, and to maintain length are from the 16th to the 22nd.
By harnessing the different phases and phenomena, we can optimize activities, from agriculture to astronomical observation, by connecting with the natural rhythms the Moon signals to us.