From Full Sturgeon Supermoon to Wolf Moon, Know History of Full Moon Names

After a year-long hiatus, the sky in August this year once again dazzled with the rare occurrence of two supermoons. Apart from the Super Moon, August will also witness the Blue Moon.  The supermoon graced the August sky from August 1 to August 2, reaching its peak at 12:02 am IST on August 2. Skygazers will have the opportunity to witness the Blue Moon on August 30, 2023.

The year 2023 will boast a total of 13 full moons, with 7 already having taken place. However, few people are aware that each full moon bears a different yet significant name, each with a specific meaning. Here is why different names are given to each full moon and their corresponding meanings

Full Sturgeon Supermoon

During this specific time of the year, the Great Lakes and other significant water bodies are teeming with enormous fish, including the Sturgeon, from which the Sturgeon Moon derives its name. The Sturgeon Moon graced the skies from August 01 to 02, 2023. This marks the second of four consecutive full moons in 2023. This type of moon typically appears larger in size and brighter than usual.

The Blue Supermoon

The phrase "once in a blue moon" originally denoted a rare occurrence, but it has come to signify the occurrence of two full moons in the same month. The term "blue moon" is said to have originated in 1883 after the Krakatoa eruption, which released a significant amount of dust into the sky, giving the Moon a bluish appearance.

Full Wolf Moon

The full moon in January is referred to by various names, including the Old Moon, the Moon after Yule, and the Full Snow Moon. Certain tribes assigned the term "Full Snow Moon" to this moon, while others used it for the next moon. The phrase "Old Moon" acknowledges that this is the final full moon of the winter season. The phrase "Moon after Yule" refers to the winter solstice, also known as Yule.