The August supermoon in Seattle is going to make for some incredible photos this week!
On Thursday, August 11, Seattle will get to see the last supermoon of 2022—as long as there’s clear skies. This full moon in August is called the Sturgeon moon and will be bigger and brighter than most full moons.
Read on for everything you need to know about this week’s supermoon!
When is the supermoon?
The last supermoon of 2022 takes place on Thursday, August 11.
What is the best time to view the August supermoon in Seattle?
The full moon will rise in the east-southeast at 8:57 p.m. (PST) and will reach its highest point in the sky at 12:37 a.m. Keep in mind that it will look biggest when it is closest to the horizon, due to perspective.
Why is it called the Sturgeon moon?
The full moon in August is called the Sturgeon moon after the fish that would most commonly be caught this month, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
What makes this a supermoon?
In order to be dubbed a supermoon, a full moon needs to be within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. There have been four supermoons total in 2022, and although they’re not exactly a regular occurrence, you can look forward to the same amount in 2023.
What’s unfortunate about this supermoon’s timing is that it coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. That means that the moon’s brightness will flood the sky, making it impossible to view the height of the meteor shower. It’s a bummer, but at least the moon will put on a spectacular show.
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