Stargazers can anticipate the rise of the Strawberry Moon on June 29, marking the first full moon of the summer season. The celestial event is expected to reach its peak illumination at approximately 7:57 p.m. Eastern Time, when the moon will be positioned directly opposite the sun.
This year's Strawberry Moon is expected to appear larger and more colorful than usual. This phenomenon is an optical illusion caused by the moon's low position in the Northern Hemisphere's sky following the summer solstice. As the moon hangs lower, observers look through a greater amount of Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and allows red and yellow light to pass through, making the moon appear redder and more golden. It can also seem larger when near the horizon due to this atmospheric effect and its proximity to familiar terrestrial objects.
Despite its appearance, the Strawberry Moon is actually one of the smaller full moons of the year. The low positioning is because full moons are always opposite the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere during summer, the sun follows a high, summer trajectory across the sky, meaning the full moon, in opposition, will trace a low path across the sky. The inverse occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, where the moon will appear high in the sky and mark the first full moon of winter.
The name "Strawberry Moon" does not refer to its color, though it can appear reddish-orange at moonrise. It originates from indigenous tribes, such as the Algonquin, who associated this full moon with the beginning of the strawberry harvest season. Other Native American names for this moon include the Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon, and Hot Moon. European cultures referred to it as the Honey Moon or the Mead Moon.
For optimal viewing in New York, the Strawberry Moon is expected to rise around 8:48 p.m. Observers are advised to find elevated vantage points or areas with a clear view of the southeastern horizon. The next full moon, known as the Buck Moon, will occur on July 29.