From Tuesday night into early Wednesday, stargazers around the world were treated to a rare celestial display — the Strawberry Moon, glowing in soft shades of pink and orange and appearing unusually low in the sky.
Best Viewing Locations
The moon’s warm hues were especially vivid in cities like New York City, Florida, and across the UK, Cyprus, Italy, and India.
Some of the most striking images included:
The moon glowing orange as it aligned with the tip of New York’s Empire State Building
A stunning view of it rising behind Torre del Serpe in Otranto, Italy
Not Just Another Full Moon
What made this Strawberry Moon stand out was its exceptionally low position in the sky — a result of a major lunar standstill, a phenomenon that occurs only once every 18.6 years.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon reached peak brightness at 3:44 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
What Is a Lunar Standstill?
A lunar standstill happens when the Moon’s orbit reaches its maximum tilt relative to Earth. This causes the Moon to rise and set at its most extreme points on the horizon, making it appear lower in the sky, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
Last lunar standstill: 2006
Next one: 2043
This Strawberry Moon marked year two of the current standstill cycle.
Why Is It Called the “Strawberry Moon”?
Despite its color, the name has nothing to do with appearance. The term comes from the seasonal ripening of wild strawberries in parts of the Northern Hemisphere and was named by Algonquin tribes. Other Indigenous groups, including the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota, also used this name.
Other Traditional Names for June’s Full Moon:
- Birth Moon
- Berries Ripen Moon
- Honey Moon
- Mead Month
This celestial event was not only a visual treat but also a rare moment in the Moon’s 18.6-year cycle — a true gift for skywatchers worldwide.