Astronomy organisations and observatories released viewing guidance on Thursday for August's Sturgeon Moon, encouraging Northern Hemisphere skywatchers to prepare for the summer's next full moon. The Royal Observatory Greenwich and NASA published timing details on their public calendars.

The Sturgeon Moon takes its name from the large freshwater fish once caught in abundance in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during late summer, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, which popularised traditional North American moon names. The full moon follows July's Buck Moon, which peaked on July 29 and drew clusters of observers to open fields and coastlines.

Enthusiasts were advised to seek locations away from urban light pollution and to look toward the eastern horizon shortly after sunset for the best views. The Royal Astronomical Society noted that a low-hanging moon can appear enlarged and take on a golden hue, an optical effect known as the moon illusion.

Interest in lunar events has grown steadily, with astronomy societies and planetariums reporting rising attendance at public viewing sessions. Telescope and binocular retailers have reported seasonal demand tied to the summer sequence of named full moons.

A Royal Observatory Greenwich spokesperson said the summer full moons offered accessible entry points for newcomers to astronomy, requiring no equipment and only a clear sky and an unobstructed view to the east.