When I read that the second supermoon of 2023 would be on display on August 1st, I decided to stay up later than usual to try and catch a few glimpses of the lady. It was a little cloudy but worth it! And I have photos to show you. Before moving on, though, let me answer the following question: What is a supermoon? The supermoon owes its name to astrologer Richard Nolle, who coined it in 1979. This event happens during a full or new Moon, when our natural satellite is closest to the Earth in orbit (something like 363,300 kilometers or 226,000 miles). The result is a larger- and brighter-than-usual show in the sky. How much larger? Apparently, around 10-11%. The August supermoon is known as the Sturgeon Moon. It is named after the sturgeon, the oldest and largest native species of freshwater fish in North America’s Great Lakes. Sturgeons have inhabited those lakes for at least 10,000 years and can be found there in crazy numbers this time of the year. Sturgeons can be massive fish. On the American continent, specimens of 200 pounds (90 kg) and measuring 2 metres (6 feet) in length are a common sight. Oh, and in case you did not know. Males have a lifespan of 55 years. But it is nothing compared to females, which can outlive them by about 100 years! (You go, ladies! Show them how it is done! 😜) The Sturgeon Moon is also known as the Grain Moon, Corn Moon, Lynx Moon, and Lightning Moon. And now, let me share a few shots from my session with the Moon. I took them during a span of 30 minutes, starting at midnight. For those interested in particulars, here are the settings I used: Please note that I did not edit my shots. Want to learn more about the Sturgeon Moon? Check out this great article from Space.com.

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