The Best Time To See Tonight's Sturgeon Moon

You're going to want to know the best time to see the Sturgeon full moon, because it's going to be one the most epic sky events of the summer. Each full moon is a great opportunity to learn something about our past, as they're typically given a nickname based on what the Algonquin tribes relied on them for. And the name in itself, helps us see something important about the past.

The Sturgeon Moon, aka the Green Corn Moon, aka the moon you'll see on Aug. 7, was named by the Algonquin tribes as a reminder that August was the best time to catch sturgeon fish and harvest grain. Though different tribes had different Moon names — as they reminded them of different things. San Ildefonso, and San Juan, called the August full moon the Wheat Cut Moon, the Dakotah Sioux called it the Moon When All Things Ripen, and the Ojibwe called it Blueberry Moon — as for them, it was their prime blueberry harvest point.

The lunar calendar was native people's original reminder system — their iCal, if you will. And while the names assigned to the full moons don't have any significance for modern day life — surely we can get sturgeon and grain at the grocery store any time of year — it's important to take a moment and think about how many people on this planet throughout history have looked up at the very same moon. Not to mention, it's fun to consider how different their priorities were.

But regardless of how much we've changed the full moon is always a good excuse to get outside, unplug, and look up. Regardless of who you are, or what you're going through, the sight of the full moon, illuminated high in the sky is enough always a bit magical and calming. Looking up at the moon can also be a unifying and humbling experience, reminding us all that we're the same and in it together.

So make sure you find the time tonight to really get a good look at the moon and spend some time outside with it, especially because it's one of the last summer full moons of the year. The Sturgeon moon will rise Monday, Aug. 7, reaching its peak fullness at 2:10 p.m. — a waxing gibbous new full moon. But remember, while the moon will technically be the most full at that time, it doesn't mean it will be easiest to see at that time. You're actually better off waiting until night fall so that you can see the moons illumination against the dark sky for the full effect.

Whatever you do, make sure you get outside to appreciate it — or Instagram it.