by Sid Baglini
Monday, August 19th
Time: At your convenience but after 9:30 PM if you want to see the Moon
A Note about this month’s DIY WALK WHEN THE MOON IS FULL
The Full Moon never takes a vacation but this year, Walk When the Moon Is Full is taking one for two reasons. First, many folks are on vacation including those who participate in our moonlit rambles and more importantly, those who lead the walks. Also, while the Full Moon will dutifully make its appearance, it is so laid back at the height of summer that it doesn’t show its beautiful face above the horizon until 8:15 and won’t be visible above the trees until nearly 9:00. Consequently, our walks can’t even begin until after many folks have called it a night. So, we will suspend our walk but that doesn’t mean you can’t “do it yourself”, or even better, “do it together” by gathering family or friends. Wherever you may be, take a stroll under this lunar light shows. Even if you can’t make it on the exact date, you will find it just as satisfying the day before or after.
August 19th: THE STURGEON MOON
The Sturgeon Moon is named for the freshwater fish historically found in great numbers in our rivers. They grow up to 14’ in length, weigh 1,000 pounds, and live 75 years but sadly, they are rare today. We can thank our local watershed associations and environmental protection nonprofits for the survival of the remaining few of this federally-listed endangered species. Once home to millions of these fishy living fossils, the Delaware estuary is thought to have only 250 mature sturgeon according to a study in 2022. Long-lived, the female Sturgeon does not lay eggs until it is 20 years old, and those eggs are what led to the collapse of the species. In the early 20th century, Philadelphia was known as the capital of caviar harvested from these remarkable fish.
Other names for the August moon are the Full Green Corn Moon, The Grain Moon, the Wheat Cut Moon, the Blueberry Moon, or just the Moon When All Things Ripen. If you have a garden that produces food, you know that this is when the harvest begins in earnest. If you are not growing your own, head to the Malvern Farmers’ Market on any Saturday morning to see the wealth of produce available now.
August is prime meteor viewing month because the warm temperatures invite extended time under the night sky. While the Perseids peaked August 11th, 12th and 13th, it may still be worthwhile spending some time studying the night sky.
Pause to listen for the crickets, katydids and other nighttime serenaders. Just as the fireflies fade from fields and lawns, these hidden musical gems fill the void with sounds. Grab a flashlight and try to locate one of them vocalizing nearby. Perhaps you will hear the fairy-like, soprano warble of an unidentified nocturnal soloist.