It’s a bird, it’s a plane…no, it’s a Strawberry Moon!
This month’s full moon is set to make its annual appearance overnight on June 10 to 11 and, while it always makes for a spectacular sight, this year’s Strawberry Moon will be especially wonderous, as it will be the lowest full moon in nearly 20 years.
The reason for this year’s Strawberry Moon’s exceptionally low peak—as seen over the eastern horizon from the Northern Hemisphere—is explained by its proximity to January 2025’s Major Lunar Standstill, per EarthSky.org. Indeed, according to the outlet, that the phenomenon is a result of the ever-evolving inclination of the moon’s orbit, which is dragged around every 18.6 years. (The previously most recent Major Lunar Standstill occurred in 2006.)
As a result of the rare event, the Strawberry Moon will appear even larger and brighter than usual. While the moon will crest at 3:44 AM EST on June 11, it will be viewable starting in the early evening after sunset on June 10, according to EarthSky.org.
