Most popular meteor shower, ‘sturgeon’ moon to peak over Kansas. When to look
A full “sturgeon” moon will peak soon over Kansas, and residents can also enjoy the peak of a popular meteor shower soon after.
This month’s moon is referred to as the “sturgeon moon” because of the abundance of fish typically found in late summer, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. Many moon names come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
In addition to the sturgeon moon, August will bring the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, which the American Meteor Society describes as “the most popular meteor shower” of the year.
The Perseids will peak overnight Tuesday, Aug. 12 into Wednesday, Aug. 13, the American Meteor Society reports. The Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 14 and will end Monday, Sept. 1. The waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce the shower’s visibility this year, so you might only be able to see the Perseid’s brightest meteors.
Here’s when to see this year’s sturgeon moon over Kansas, plus when to catch more full moons in 2025.
When will the sturgeon moon peak?
The sturgeon moon will peak at 2:55 a.m. Central Daylight Time Saturday, Aug. 9, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
AccuWeather’s forecast says the night of Aug. 9 will be “mainly clear” in Wichita, with a low temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze the night of Friday, Aug. 8, you can expect partly cloudy skies, AccuWeather reports, and the night of Sunday, Aug. 10 will be partly cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms.
The moon will rise in Wichita at 9 p.m. Aug. 9, according to online clock Time and Date.
When to see more full moons in 2025
After the sturgeon moon, stargazers will have four more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
- Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon
- Monday, Oct. 6: Hunter’s moon (supermoon)
- Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon)
- Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon)
The Kansas Astronomical Observers, which has now merged with Lake Afton Public Observatory, meet at 7:30 p.m. the third Saturday of each month from May through September. Meetings from October to April are held at 3 p.m. the third Saturday. Visitors are welcome; there is a fee to enter the observatory.
