The August 2025 Full Sturgeon Moon in Photos

The night of August 9 saw the appearance of the full Sturgeon Moon, which rose dramatically above various landmarks around the world, captivating skywatchers and photographers alike.

This moon, named after the large fish historically abundant in local lakes and vital for Native American tribes’ sustenance, is sometimes called the “Red Moon” due to its reddish hue during summer haze. Other cultures, like the Anishinaabe of the Great Lakes, referred to this period as the “Ricing Moon,” signaling harvest time.

Photographers globally captured the lunar spectacle, showcasing its beauty against diverse backdrops. In New York City, Nazli Zeynep Karabulut snapped the moon rising between skyscrapers, with its tip apparently piercing the Empire State Building.

Full moon rising over New York City's skyline, with the Empire State Building pointing towards the moon. — The full moon over Manhattan, with the Empire State Building piercing the lunar disk. (Image credit: Nazli Zeynep Karabulut)

Meanwhile, Ismael Adnan Yaqoob captured the moon over the lights of an amusement park in Mosul, Iraq, beautifully contrasted against city illumination.

The orange full moon rising above an amusement park in Iraq, illuminated by nearby lights. — The moon rising over an amusement park in Mosul, Iraq. (Image credit: Ismael Adnan Yaqoob)

In California, Tayfun Coskun documented an intricate view of the moon near Mt. Hamilton, revealing detailed lunar craters and mountain ranges.

Close-up of a detailed full moon against a dark sky, showing lunar seas and impact craters. — The detailed lunar surface captured from California, showcasing Tycho Crater. (Image credit: Tayfun Coskun)

Across the Atlantic, Riccardo De Luca photographed the moon above Rome’s Colosseum at sunset, with the ancient structure illuminated by artificial light.

Reddish moon rising behind the Roman Colosseum, with the Arch of Titus lit up nearby. — The moon over Rome’s historic Colosseum. (Image credit: Riccardo De Luca)

In Turkey, Isa Terli captured the moon between the supports of the Bosphorus Bridge, creating a striking scene blending history and nature amid atmospheric distortion.

Red moon rising between the supports of a suspension bridge in Istanbul, with blurred car lights underneath. — The full moon seen from the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turke. (Image credit: Isa Terli)

From Greece, Costas Baltas photographed the moon near Poseidon’s Temple, with its golden hue illuminating the ancient site.

Yellow moon rising near a Greek temple at dusk, softly lit. — The moon above Poseidon’s Temple near Athens. (Image credit: Costas Baltas)

Finally, Paris featured a stunning shot of the moon’s orange glow from the Eiffel Tower, with a spotlight emphasizing its prominence in the night sky.

Orange moon rising behind the Eiffel Tower, with a spotlight highlighting the lunar disk. — The moon illuminated from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (Image credit: Mustafa Yalcin)

Next month, the moon will turn uniquely red during a total lunar eclipse on September 7-8, offering another spectacular celestial display. Fans can follow updates through live coverage to witness this “blood moon” event.