Sturgeon Moon and meteor shower peak this weekend

The eighth full moon of the year lights up the sky this weekend as a meteor shower peaks nearby

Best time to see full Sturgeon Moon this weekend alongside meteor shower

The Sturgeon Moon will rise this weekend with the best visibility around 9pm in the UK, weather permitting. The Moon sits low in Aquarius and will pass near Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and Mercury as it moves east across the sky, giving skywatchers a bright beacon to aim for.

The Perseids meteor shower peaks on August 12 and 13, but a bright Moon will wash out many fainter meteors. Venus and Jupiter appear close for a couple of days around August 11 and 12, offering a striking duo in the early evening. NASA has described this pairing as the real highlight of August, a reminder that outer space still offers clear moments for everyday observers.

The weekend sky show blends old lunar lore with modern science outreach. The Sturgeon Moon tradition draws families and amateur astronomers outside, while planetary meetups and meteor showers keep the audience engaged.

This event also highlights a practical challenge for stargazers: lunar brightness can overwhelm faint sights. The piece implies a broader lesson about public interest in space—that accessible, predictable moments under dark skies can spark curiosity without specialized equipment.

Highlights

Keep a simple plan and let the night sky lead the way