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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Alasdair Clark

Look out for the huge 'sturgeon moon' set to light up the sky over Edinburgh tonight

There will be a rare treat for skywatchers tonight as a large full moon is set to light up the sky above the city.

Experts at space.com say the moon is due tonight (3 August) as it makes a close pass by Jupiter and Saturn.

But it's not named after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the "sturgeon moon" actually gets its name from Native American folklore.

According the NASA, the moon will officially become full early evening, but you'll be able to see it best after sunset.

Full moons occur around every 30 days or so, when the moon is exactly on the opposite side of the Earth to the Sun.

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When can I see it in Edinburgh?

The Met Office say the sun will set around 9:15pm in Edinburgh this evening, and you'll get the best chance to see it after that and until sunrise on Tuesday morning.

It won't be too difficult to see, and if we're lucky it may even take on a red or pinkish hue. But the forecast for overcast with light showers may make it more difficult to see.

(PA Archive/PA Images)
Why is it called a 'sturgeon moon'?

London’s Royal Observatory Greenwich in London explained the theory behind the name: “North American fishing tribes called August’s Full Moon the Sturgeon Moon since the species appeared in number this month.

“It’s also been called the Green Corn Moon, the Grain Moon and the Red Moon for the reddish hue it often takes on in the summer haze.”

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