For all you lighthouse fanatics out there, the crossover event of the year is coming your way — and you won’t want to miss it.
Thursday marks National Lighthouse Day — the day set aside by the lighthouse community to celebrate “keeping the flame burning” across the U.S. coasts for hundreds of years.
But what makes this year’s celebration even more special is that the full moon is making its appearance mere days after.
So if you’re looking to stamp that lighthouse passport, like my own sister was eager to do growing up, this weekend may be the perfect time to celebrate the pillars of the coast with a side of the full moon.
But could the weather impact your plans?
Full Moon Forecast
The full moon will reach its peak at about 3:55 a.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 9.
But let’s be real — no one wants to be awake that early.
So, if you want to head to the closest lighthouse Friday night to see the Sturgeon Moon in all its glory — you’ll want to make sure the clouds won’t completely thwart your plans.
Friday Night
Northeast, Mid-Atlantic: Minimal cloud cover will make for prime full moon viewing for many historic lighthouse locations from Boston to the Virginia coastline. The coast of Maine will contend with slightly more cloud cover.
Southeast/Gulf Coast: Clouds associated with the system off the Southeast coast will make it more difficult to see the full moon in its entirety from the Outer Banks across much of Florida. Locations farther west along the Gulf Coast will have clearer skies and be more optimal for viewing.
Great Lakes: The western Great Lakes will see some patchy cloud cover, but the more eastern lakes should have a greater chance of clear skies.
West Coast: The coastal cloudiness California is notorious for will give full moon-hopefuls a run for their money. Parts of northern California and the Pacific Northwest will have a better shot at a good full moon view.
Saturday Night
Some good news — the Northeast and mid-Atlantic will see skies clear out even more, making for prime viewing conditions.
But much of the rest of the U.S. coasts will see similar or worse conditions heading into Saturday night.
Cloud cover will increase across the Pacific Northwest as well as parts of the western Great Lakes, though it may still be patchy enough in some lighthouse locations to sneak a peek of the full moon.
And let’s be honest — speaking as an amateur sky photographer myself — doesn’t a little cloud action make for an even more stunning moon picture?
Weather And Lighthouses Have History
While weather is seemingly a lighthouse’s biggest opponent, the ever-changing conditions highlight a lighthouse’s true purpose: guiding mariners safely through dangerous coastlines.
But some historic lighthouses have other meteorological tricks up their sleeves.
Many lighthouses are now outfitted with scientific instruments that collect environmental data — including weather information — that is then used by scientists across the country.
However, they aren’t only collecting data on the weather — lighthouses are also affected by the weather.
Many U.S. lighthouses are being impacted by severe weather and sea-level rise associated with climate change — forcing many lighthouses to relocate inland or shutter their doors.
So get out there and enjoy those beautiful staples of the coast now — and if you’re lucky enough to snap a picture with the full moon, send it our way.
Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.
