August's Blood Moon won't be visible for everyone

August's Sturgeon Full Moon emerges in the final moments of August. It moves from a waxing gibbous to turning full on Friday 28 August at exactly 2:18pm AEST.

The name Sturgeon Full Moon comes from European, Colonial American and Native American sources. Full Moons were important markers for farmers and hunters, who used them to track the seasons. This Full Moon marks the moment that the sturgeon would return in force to the rivers of the Northern Hemisphere as they prepare to transition into autumn. Of course, the naming convention is at odds with those in the Southern Hemisphere who are still shivering their way through winter.

Depending on where you are in the world, you could also be treated to a Blood Moon. Sadly, the closer you are to the international date line, the more likely you are to miss out on the view. Bad news for those in Australia and New Zealand. But if you're further back, you'll be treated to a near total Lunar Eclipse that will see the Moon turn a bloody, rust red.

Here is everything you need to know about the August Sturgeon Full Moon, eclipse times and what its placement in Pisces means for you.

When is the best time to see the Full Moon or Lunar Eclipse?

The best time to catch a Full Moon is always around sunset, as this is when the Moon is at its lowest. The lower the Moon is in the sky, the bigger it will appear; a phenomenon that is thanks to an optical illusion.

These are the best times to see the Full Moon in your Australian city:

Sydney – sunset 5:34pm, moonrise 5:39pm AEST.
Melbourne – sunset 5:55pm, moonrise 6:01pm AEST.
Brisbane – sunset 5:32pm, moonrise 5:37pm AEST.
Canberra – sunset 5:41pm, moonrise 5:46pm AEST.
Adelaide – sunset 5:53pm, moonrise 6:00pm ACST — equivalent to 6:23pm sunset / 6:30pm moonrise AEST.
Perth – sunset 5:57pm, moonrise 6:08pm AWST — equivalent to 7:57pm sunset / 8:08pm moonrise AEST.
Hobart – sunset 5:40pm, moonrise 5:46pm AEST.
Darwin – sunset 6:42pm, moonrise 6:49pm ACST — equivalent to 7:12pm sunset / 7:19pm moonrise AEST.

If you're in North or South America, Europe or the UK, you should have a good chance of seeing the partial Lunar Eclipse or Blood Moon. This is a rare phenomenon that happens when the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, turning the Moon a rust colour. But since August's Blood Moon is only a partial eclipse, only part of the Moon will take on the red hue.

This is the best time to catch the eclipse in your American or European city:

New York – penumbral eclipse begins 9:24pm Thursday 27 August, partial eclipse begins 10:34pm, maximum 12:13am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse ends 1:52am, penumbral eclipse ends 3:02am EDT. The entire eclipse is visible.
Montréal – begins 9:23pm Thursday 27 August, partial eclipse begins 10:33pm, maximum 12:12am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse ends 1:52am, eclipse ends 3:01am EDT. The entire event is visible.
London – eclipse begins 2:23am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse begins 3:33am, maximum 5:12am, Moon sets at 6:15am BST while the eclipse is still underway.
Paris – eclipse begins around 3:24am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse begins around 4:34am, maximum around 6:13am CEST. The later stages occur close to moonset, so the western horizon will be important.
Madrid – eclipse begins around 3:24am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse begins around 4:34am, maximum around 6:13am CEST. Spain is well positioned to see the deep partial phase before sunrise.
Mexico City – eclipse begins 8:24pm Thursday 27 August, partial phase begins 9:34pm, maximum 11:13pm, partial phase ends 12:52am Friday, eclipse ends 2:02am CDT.
Rio de Janeiro – eclipse begins 10:24pm Thursday 27 August, partial eclipse begins 11:34pm, maximum 1:13am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse ends 2:52am, eclipse ends 4:02am BRT.
Buenos Aires – eclipse begins 10:24pm Thursday 27 August, partial eclipse begins 11:34pm, maximum 1:13am Friday 28 August, partial eclipse ends 2:52am, eclipse ends 4:02am ART.

What to expect from this Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Pisces

Full Moons are high intensity moments where the Moon Cycle reaches its peak. The occurrence of a Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon only heightens the frenetic energy. Many people find themselves feeling exposed, emotional and raw as we approach a Blood Moon, the high energy is often associated with trouble sleeping.

The alignment in Pisces is particularly auspicious. Pisces is not just the clairvoyant of the zodiac, it is also the final sign of the 12. Pisces Full Moons are thematically linked to closure and letting go. In particular, this Lunar Eclipse closes off a series of Piscean eclipses which started back in September 2024. This was a turning point where we were asked to imagine what could be, rather than what is. Now, as we reach the end of this trio of potentially raw and cauterising events, we will be asked to shed what no longer serves us and find closure in that shift. Finally, we can come away ready to heal those wounds.

Pisces Moons are always deeply and intrinsically emotional. It doesn't always bubble up to the surface, but it can feel like a tempest on the inside. It is important in these moments to listen to what your intuition may be trying to tell you. Pisces heightens our natural instincts. With Venus in Libra lighting up our romantic lives and our desire to go out and flirt, this will be an important tool. If your gut is telling you something, it would be wise to pay careful attention to avoid bad actors. Your energy is a precious commodity and should be treated as such. Do not pour from your own cup into others who you know will never pour back.

This could also be a uniquely fitting time to start a new creative project. As the Pisces Full Moon imbues our inner worlds with imagination and creativity, this could be the inspirational kick you've needed. Meanwhile the Sun and Mercury in Virgo has us ready to lock in with pedantic focus. It offers rich and fertile ground for your next big idea.