Astronomy gives Madrid this August a double spectacle in the night sky: the expected Full Sturgeon Moon and the famous Perseids meteor shower. Astronomers and amateurs are already preparing to enjoy two of the most luminous events of the summer night, although this year the coincidence of both phenomena will make the very bright and festive nights of Madrid have something of an extra challenge for shooting star hunters.
The so-called Sturgeon Moon will shine with maximum intensity on the night of August 8-9. Its name comes from the North American Indian tribes of the Great Lakes, who associated this full moon with the best time for fishing for the mythical sturgeon. In 2025, this phenomenon promises clear skies and ideal conditions to admire the most spectacular full moon of the summer, perfect to observe with the naked eye or enjoy night photography sessions in parks, terraces and urban viewpoints.
The August Perseids in Madrid
But the highlight comes with the Perseids, the most famous meteor shower in the northern hemisphere, whose peak is scheduled for the night of August 12-13. On ideal nights, up to 100 meteors per hour can be seen crossing the sky. However, this year the proximity of the full moon, which will be more than 90% illuminated, will make it difficult to see the faintest meteors. Even so, the brightest flashes will be perfectly visible from the capital and its surroundings.
Experts recommend looking for darker and less light-polluted areas to enjoy the Perseids, such as green spaces, periurban parks or even getaways near the Sierra, always facing northeast and letting your eyes get used to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.