Are you able to imagine we’re in August already? Let’s hope for one more sunny heatwave and a few clear skies for stargazing. Learn under to know what to look out for this month!
Sturgeon Moon
Mark your calendars! The following full Moon will grace the skies on 9th August at 8:55am (UK time). This month’s Moon is historically often known as the Sturgeon Moon, a reputation rooted from North American custom. It has additionally been often known as the Swan Flight Moon, Purple Moon and Grain Moon.
The identify comes from the enormous lake sturgeon, a prehistoric-looking fish that after thrived within the Nice Lakes and Lake Champlain. These freshwater giants have been most simply caught in late summer time and have been an important meals supply for Native American communities within the area. Whereas as soon as plentiful, sturgeon at the moment are a a lot rarer sight because of overfishing and habitat adjustments.
However the Sturgeon Moon isn’t nearly fish, it’s additionally surrounded by fascinating folklore. Listed below are a number of lunar legends tied to full and new Moons:
- Garments washed for the primary time underneath a full Moon gained’t final lengthy.
- Catch a glimpse of the brand new Moon over your proper shoulder, and good luck will observe.
- Need your challenge to thrive? Begin it throughout a brand new Moon for the very best probability of success.
- Infants born the day after a full Moon are mentioned to be blessed with endurance and success.
Why is is often known as the Purple Moon, the Grain Moon, and the Swan Flight Moon?
- Purple Moon: To not be confused with June’s Strawberry Moon, or perhaps a lunar eclipse, the August Purple Moon is named this merely due to its shut proximity to the horizon. In the summertime months the Moon can hold low on the horizon and because of this air molecules within the hazy environment scatter a lot of the brief, blue wavelengths, leaving the remaining longer purple wavelengths, thus we get a purple Moon.
- Grain Moon: The identify Grain Moon is all right down to the totally different grains that may be harvested presently of the 12 months, and comes from Outdated English Folklore.
- Swan Flight Moon: Coming from the Inuit group, this identify for the Moon was impressed by the younger swans that have been seen chickening out presently of the 12 months.
Constellation – Cassiopeia The Queen
There’s plenty of constellations to see throughout summer time, however one among my favourites can be Cassiopea The Queen! She appears to be like just like the letter W within the sky! You may see her all 12 months spherical however the summer time makes her simpler to identify. In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia was the queen of Aethiopia, married to King Cepheus and mum to Andromeda. She was additionally extraordinarily happy with herself, a lot in order that she bragged she and her daughter have been extra stunning than the ocean nymphs, the Nereids. Dangerous transfer.
The Nereids weren’t followers of the comparability, and neither was Poseidon, the god of the ocean (and apparently not massive on constructive suggestions). As revenge, he despatched a sea monster, Cetus to trash the dominion like an historic Greek Godzilla.
To calm issues down, Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice, (Thanks, Mum!). Fortunately, Perseus swooped in and saved her, in all probability questioning what sort of household drama he’d simply landed in. Nonetheless, Poseidon wasn’t achieved with Cassiopeia. As a remaining cosmic punishment, he tossed her into the celebrities as a constellation, endlessly caught on a throne and, simply to rub it in, spending half the 12 months the wrong way up.
Perseids Meteor Bathe
Yearly, the Perseid meteor bathe lights up the night time sky and it’s the most effective and brightest meteor showers you possibly can see!
So, what precisely is going on up there?
Perseids Meteor bathe. Within the background we will see very distinctly The Plough, often known as The Huge Dipper. Picture Credit score: Yanina Metodiva
Meteors are tiny items of area rock or mud. A lot of them come from comets, that are icy, dusty objects that orbit the Solar. As a comet will get nearer to the Solar, it begins to warmth up and bits break off. Typically, these bits find yourself within the path of Earth’s orbit.
When Earth passes via this path of particles, these little bits hit our environment at unbelievable speeds, generally as quick as 36 miles per second (that’s over 100 occasions quicker than a jet aircraft!). The air in entrance of the meteor will get squashed and superheated, inflicting the meteor to deplete in a flash of sunshine. These are the “capturing stars” we see within the sky. The smaller ones go away a fast streak, whereas bigger ones may even explode into vivid fireballs.
In 2025, the Perseids meteor bathe will likely be energetic from 17th July to 24th August and can radiate from the constellation itself within the North sky. The variety of meteors builds up slowly every night time, peaking round 12th August. That night time ought to provide the greatest probability to see essentially the most meteors, particularly if the sky is darkish and clear.
So seize a blanket, head someplace with as little gentle as potential, and benefit from the present! No telescope wanted, simply your eyes and a little bit of endurance.
