The Sturgeon Moon: A Colorful Celestial Display

The August full moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, graced the night sky on August 10th, 2025, and it was captured in spectacular, enhanced color by an amateur astronomer.

This name, originating from the indigenous peoples of North America, signifies a time when sturgeon fishing was particularly bountiful, associating the moon with abundance and good fortune. Other names for the August moon, such as "green corn" or "grain," highlight the ripening season and the approaching end of summer.

What makes this photograph truly remarkable is the intentional enhancement of the Moon's saturation during processing. This technique reveals the fascinating mineral composition of its surface. The striking reddish-brown hues are indicative of iron oxide, while the captivating blue tones point to the presence of titanium oxide.

This breathtaking image was captured using a Sony a7s ii camera, a GSO 150/750 telescope, an Arsenal EQ5 mount, and a 2x Barlow lens.

While some might consider these colors "fake" due to the enhanced saturation, they are, in essence, an exaggeration of subtle hints that can be observed with the naked eye through a good telescope on a clear night. The photographer's skill in processing has brought forth the Moon's intrinsic beauty in a way that is both scientifically informative and visually stunning.

For those who enjoyed this view and wish to see more incredible space imagery, you can follow the photographer on .