Don't miss it: UAE's Strawberry Moon, last chance until 2043! When & where to see it

Time of India

a day ago

The Strawberry Moon will be visible in the UAE from approximately 7:32 PM on June 11 until 5:55 AM on June 12 (Representational Image)
As the sun dips below the horizon on Tuesday, a rare and truly stunning sight awaits those gazing at the sky across the UAE: the Strawberry Moon, the last full Moon of Spring 2025. This particular moon event holds special meaning, confirmed to be visible throughout the Emirates, not least because it's the last time this specific phenomenon will appear so remarkably low in the sky until the year 2043.
For anyone eager to witness nature's grand show, tomorrow, June 11, offers a chance not to be missed.
The Lunar Arrival: Times and What to Expect
The exact times for this heavenly display have been carefully set. Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), told Gulf News on Tuesday, June 10, that "The Strawberry Moon will be visible in the UAE, with moonrise at approximately 7:32 PM on June 11 and moonset at 5:55 AM on June 12." This generous time frame, stretching from evening twilight into the early morning, gives plenty of opportunity for viewing.
Importantly, Khadijah Hasan Ahmed also confirmed that the Strawberry Moon will indeed be visible everywhere in the UAE, easing any worries about where to see it. The best part, she stressed, is how easy it is to watch: "And the best part is that you don't need any special equipment to see it."
Best Views: Where to Look Up
For residents wanting the most impressive views of this lunar wonder, simplicity is key. You can simply step outside and look towards the eastern horizon soon after the moonrise at 7:32 PM.
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The Strawberry Moon is expected to be seen with just your eyes, assuming the skies are clear. Khadijah Hasan Ahmed suggested that the best places to watch are usually wide, open areas like peaceful beaches, the vastness of the desert, or elevated spots that offer a clear view.
Even in the city, the Moon can still be seen if you have a clear line of sight to the eastern horizon. While looking with your bare eyes is a wonderful experience, she thoughtfully added, "Of course, using binoculars or telescopes would definitely enhance the view," promising an even more detailed look at the Moon's surface.
This particular moon event, as highlighted by Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, is "a beautiful, easy-to-watch celestial event that connects us with the universe." She warmly described the Strawberry Moon as the final full moon of Spring and "one of the most visually striking, often appearing larger and more golden when it rises." It's important, however, to remember its name doesn't mean its color: despite its appealing name, the Strawberry Moon will not actually look pink or red.
Its usual color, affected by air conditions when it's low on the horizon, is typically a warm yellow or a bright orange.
Why until 2043: A Rare Lunar Standstill
The true charm and compelling reason not to miss this Full Strawberry Moon on June 11 comes from its connection to a truly rare natural event: a Great Lunar Standstill. This significant alignment of the Moon happens only once every 18.6 years, making tomorrow's event an exceptionally rare pairing.
Khadijah Hasan Ahmed, using information from the astronomy app Star Walk 2, explained the phenomenon's different effects in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres: "In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the lowest Full Moon until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon.
Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the highest Full Moon until 2043." This precise and rare position is directly due to the major lunar standstill cycle.
"It's like the Moon's version of a solstice," she clarified, offering an easy comparison for its unique path.
To be clear, For those in the Northern Hemisphere, including the UAE, this particular Full Moon on June 11 will be the lowest seen in 18.6 years.
It'll rise and set at its farthest points to the southeast and southwest. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the opposite: they'll see their highest Full Moon this month, with their lowest coming in December. This happens because the Moon's orbit is tilted about 5.1 degrees compared to Earth's path.
When this tilt combines with Earth's own 23.4-degree tilt during a major standstill, the Moon appears at its most extreme positions. This complex interplay means the June 11 Strawberry Moon isn't just a pretty sight; it's a rare cosmic event that won't appear this low again for almost two decades.