Northern Lights + Sturgeon Moon: A Celestial Bonus?
Sheboygan might be in for a rare double sky show tonight — the Northern Lights and a full Sturgeon Moon. If conditions are right, the aurora could be visible as the August moon reaches its peak brightness, making for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. There’s a chance we might catch the Aurora Borealis tonight, thanks to geomagnetic activity from a coronal mass ejection. Visibility could extend into parts of Wisconsin if conditions align—but it’s rare this far south, and not guaranteed. The best viewing window would be between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., looking northward from a dark, low-light area.
The Sturgeon Moon Arrives
The Sturgeon Moon, August’s full moon, is set to peak around 2:57 a.m. Central Daylight Time on August 9.
What makes this one extra special:
- Two-night spectacle: Because of the moon’s low southern arc, it’ll rise at nearly the same time on both Friday and Saturday evenings—an amazing double viewing opportunity.
- Why “Sturgeon”?: The name harks to late‑summer sturgeon fishing seasons in the Great Lakes, plus it’s known by other names like the Wild Rice Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Grain Moon among various Indigenous traditions.
What to Expect & When to Watch
- Tonight (Aug 8): If skies clear, head out after sunset for the first rise of the bright Sturgeon Moon.
- Late-night window: Between 10 p.m.–2 a.m., keep an eye on the northern horizon for any Northern Lights activity.
- Early morning, Aug 9: The moon reaches full illumination—another prime chance to enjoy its glow.
Why This Weekend Could Feel “Magical”
- Double sky show: In very rare cases, you could see both the Aurora Borealis and a luminous full moon in one night.
- Ideal weather caper: Although today’s forecast includes thunderstorms and cloudiness, the long-range outlook suggests clearer skies later in the night—key for both aurora and moon viewing.
- Nature’s bonus features: The moon illusion (where it looks especially large near the horizon) and the chance to spot shimmering lunar rays or craters make this a perfect night for amateur astronomers and photographers alike.Sky at Night Magazine
Sheboygan County, United States
 Today | 85°72° | Breezy and humid with a blend of sunshine and clouds; a strong thunderstorm this afternoon; areas of flooding and difficult travel likely |
| Sunday | 81°70° | A thick cloud cover and humid; a thunderstorm in the afternoon |
| Monday | 79°68° | More clouds than sun; humid with widely separated thunderstorms; thunderstorms can bring localized damaging wind gusts |
| Tuesday | 80°64° | Times of clouds and sun with a thunderstorm; humid; smoke from wildfires in Canada can create reduced air quality |
| Wednesday | 81°66° | Partly sunny with a couple of showers |
 Thursday | 80°67° | Partly sunny |
 Friday | 86°70° | Sunny, warm and humid |
Community Invitation
If you do manage to catch any of this celestial magic—whether it’s a moonrise, dancing auroras, or both—snap a shot and share your experience in the comments section below. Your photos would be a fantastic addition to our site’s gallery and community stories!
