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History
August was named after a major figure of the ancient Roman World, Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.–A.D. 14). He was the first Roman emperor (though he never claimed the title) and the grandnephew of the previous ruler, Julius Caesar (who named July after himself).
August is the 8th month of the year in today’s Gregorian calendar, but it was the sixth month (Sextilus) of the year in Roman times. Augustus had the month of Sextilius renamed after himself in 8 B.C. This was the month of some of his greatest military victories.
In the Northern Hemisphere, August is the last month of summer and the hottest month of the year.
Astronomical Events
August’s full Moon, the full Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on the night of Saturday, August 9.
August is often a wonderful month for stargazing! It’s the month of the Perseid meteor shower, which is one of the most prolific showers and reaches its maximum between August 11 and 13.
Holidays and Traditions
1st Lammas Day
10th St. Lawrence's Day
19th National Aviation Day
24th St. Bartholomew Day
26th Women's Equality Day
"On Women's Equality Day, we celebrate trailblazers who fought to deliver a better future..."
- Fun facts are from The Old Farmer's Almanac online