Strawberry Moon 2025: When and how to see June's full Strawberry Moon
A full Strawberry Moon will appear in UK skies this week coupled with a rare phenomenon not seen in almost 20 years.On 11 June, stargazers in the northern hemisphere will be able to spot the full Moon sitting very low in the southern sky, making it appear much larger than usual.Caused by an event known as a 'major lunar standstill', the opportunity will not arise again until 2043.
What is the Strawberry Moon and why is this one rare?
The Strawberry Moon is the name given to the full Moon in June. It is named after the harvest season observed by indigenous Americans, signalling the time of year that wild strawberries were harvested, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, external.Full moons were given nicknames to help keep track of time and monitor the changing seasons.June's full Moon is usually the lowest-hanging of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is likely to be exaggerated this month as a result of a 'major lunar standstill' which took place earlier this year - the effects of which can still be seen.This is when the Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the Earth, rising and setting at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon. It happens every 18.6 years and the effects are most visible during a full Moon. Another Moon this low is not expected until 2043.
When and how to see it
Tuesday night could be the best time to see the Strawberry Moon with clear skies in the forecast for parts of the UK. The Moon rises in the east and sets in the west just like the Sun. Don't forget you can find your local forecast on the BBC Weather App.
Is the Strawberry Moon pink?
It is true that the Strawberry Moon may appear to take on an apt reddish tinge. But that doesn't have anything to do with its name.Its position so close to the horizon means that the light it reflects towards Earth passes through the thicker, lower layer of atmosphere.Shorter wavelengths of light ('blue light') are scattered while longer wavelengths of light such as red reach our eyes, making the Moon appear red much like a colourful sunset.If you manage to catch the Strawberry Moon on camera, why not share your photographs with BBC Weather Watchers.
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