June's full moon, known as the "Strawberry Moon," will shine brightly on the evening of June 10 or June 11, depending on where you're located.
While this full moon is traditionally low in the sky, this year’s event promises to be especially unique. It will be the lowest full moon seen in nearly two decades, a phenomenon attributed to the current "major lunar standstill."
According to EarthSky, this rare alignment occurs due to the moon's orbit and its inclination cycle, which peaks once every 18.6 years.
For this reason, the Strawberry Moon will appear lower and more dimly lit than usual.
It is expected to reach full illumination at 3:45 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 11, but will also have visiblility as it rises on June 10.
What is the Strawberry Moon?
The term "Strawberry Moon" isn't a reference to the moon’s colour but rather to its timing.
The name comes from the Algonquin tribes of North America, who linked the full moon in June to the start of wild strawberry harvesting.
The Strawberry Moon marks the last full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and signals the upcoming summer solstice.
Why might the Strawberry Moon look colourful?
This year, the moon could appear even more striking. As the moon travels a low, shallow path across the sky, its light passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere.
This process can tint the moon in shades of pink or red, especially when dust or smoke from wildfires in the atmosphere creates a colourful hue.
Experts note that the moon may even take on a reddish glow, enhancing the visual spectacle.
When is the best time to see the Strawberry Moon?
For those hoping to witness this celestial event, the best viewing will be as the moon rises on the evening of June 10, before it reaches its peak illumination in the early hours of June 11.
The moonrise times will vary depending on location, with Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey experiencing moonset at 8:25 p.m. EDT.
The Strawberry Moon’s unusually low position and its potential for a colourful display make it a must-see event for sky watchers.
If missed, the next opportunity to see a full moon like this won’t occur until 2043.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ