Sturgeon Moon: August's Full Moon to Align with Partial Eclipse Visible from Uruguay

Stargazers in Uruguay and across the Americas will have the opportunity to witness a celestial spectacle in late August 2026. The full moon of August, known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will occur on the night of Thursday, August 27, and into the early morning of Friday, August 28.

Adding to the event's significance, a partial lunar eclipse will coincide with the Sturgeon Moon, bringing the current eclipse season to a close. This follows a total solar eclipse that was visible across much of Europe on August 12. The Sturgeon Moon derives its name from the historical abundance of sturgeon fish in North American waters during this period.

During the partial lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow will cast a significant obscuration over the moon. Experts predict that between 93% and 96% of the lunar surface will be covered by the shadow. At its peak, this phenomenon is expected to produce a "Blood Moon" effect, where the visible portion of the moon takes on a reddish or orange hue, with only a small bright edge remaining.

In Uruguay, the lunar eclipse is anticipated to begin around 11:33 PM on August 27. The maximum phase of the eclipse, when the moon will be most obscured, is predicted for 1:12 AM on August 28. While the event is expected to be visible without special equipment, specialists recommend finding locations away from significant light pollution for the best viewing experience. The clarity of the view will ultimately depend on weather conditions.