Sturgeon Moon 2025: Last Full Moon of Summer Lights Up Skies Across the Globe Tonight

A breathtaking Sturgeon Moon is casting its glow across the world tonight, marking the final full moon of summer 2025. From the bustling streets of New York City to the ancient ruins of Greece, photographers and skywatchers have captured the lunar spectacle in stunning detail.

This celestial event—often called the “August full moon”—derives its name from the giant sturgeon fish, once abundant in the Great Lakes and northeastern North America during this time of year. The phenomenon holds cultural and seasonal significance, signaling the closing chapter of summer’s warm nights.

Across the globe, iconic landmarks have been framed by the luminous disk. In London, the Sturgeon Moon rose over the skyline with office lights still glowing in skyscrapers. In Istanbul, it hovered above the historic Galata Tower, while in New York, it was perfectly aligned between two towering Manhattan buildings. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Temple of Poseidon in Greece, the moon’s silver glow created scenes worthy of postcards.

Why the Sturgeon Moon Tonight Is So Special

The Sturgeon Moon tonight is more than just a visual feast. It’s a time marker deeply embedded in human traditions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that August’s full moon historically coincided with prime sturgeon fishing season. For many Indigenous cultures, this moon also represented preparation for harvest and the coming change in seasons.

NASA explains that the moon appears particularly large and bright when rising due to the “moon illusion,” an optical effect caused by our perception of it against the horizon. While tonight’s moon is not a supermoon, its timing—occurring just weeks before the autumn equinox—adds to its allure.

Global Reactions and Stunning Images

Social media has exploded with images tagged under #SturgeonMoon and #MoonTonight.
Highlights include:

• London, UK: A golden-hued moon framed by glass towers.

• Istanbul, Turkey: The Galata Tower bathed in lunar light.

• New York, USA: The moon nestled between skyscrapers in Midtown Manhattan.

• Rome, Italy: Moonlight spilling over the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus.

• Mosul, Iraq: A Ferris wheel silhouetted against the moon.

• Athens, Greece: The Temple of Poseidon illuminated by the lunar glow.

• Gran Canaria, Spain: A dog walker enjoying the moonlit beach.

How to Best View the Moon Tonight

For those eager to catch the Sturgeon Moon in all its glory:

• Best Time: Just after sunset when the moon is low on the horizon.

• Best Location: Elevated areas or open spaces with minimal light pollution.

• Equipment: While it’s easily visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can reveal craters and surface details.

• Photography Tip: Use a tripod and a slower shutter speed to capture sharp, detailed shots.

Astronomers recommend finding a spot away from city lights to appreciate the moon’s full radiance. Even smartphone cameras can produce spectacular results if stabilized properly.

Following tonight’s display, the next major lunar event will be September’s Harvest Moon, which will be the first full moon of autumn. Unlike the Sturgeon Moon, the Harvest Moon rises earlier and appears brighter for several nights in a row due to its proximity to the equinox.

(Image: Ian Bleakley)

The beauty of the Sturgeon Moon tonight lies not just in its appearance, but in its reminder of seasonal cycles and shared human wonder. Across cities, mountains, and coastlines, people are looking up at the same glowing orb—connected, if only for a moment, under the same night sky.