If you’ve ever heard someone talk about a "Strawberry Moon," you might picture a moon covered in fruit. It’s not about strawberries at all – it’s a name given to the full moon that shows up in June. The moon looks a bit pinkish or orange, and folks in the past linked that color to the strawberry‑harvesting season.
The name comes from Native American and colonial almanacs that gave each full moon a nickname. The June full moon earned the strawberry title because that’s when the berries were ripe and ready. It usually falls between June 14 and June 30, depending on the year’s lunar cycle.
Because the moon’s exact timing shifts, the strawberry moon can appear a few days earlier or later than the calendar date. A quick online moon‑phase calculator will tell you the exact night for this year.
Finding the strawberry moon is as easy as looking up on a clear night. The best viewing times are right after sunset and before it gets too dark – the moon is already high in the sky, so you’ll get a bright, steady glow.
If you live in a city, try heading to a park or any spot with minimal light pollution. Even a few minutes away from streetlights can make the pink hue pop. Bring a blanket, a thermos of tea, and just enjoy the view.
For photographers, a DSLR or a good smartphone camera works fine. Use a tripod, set the ISO low (around 100‑200), and keep the shutter speed fast enough to avoid blurry stars – about 1/125 sec is a safe start. A small amount of post‑processing can bring out the subtle pink tint.
People also love the strawberry moon for its cultural vibe. In many traditions it signals the start of summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and night‑time hikes. It’s a perfect excuse to plan a backyard bonfire or a midnight bike ride.
So, next time you hear about a strawberry moon, remember it’s just the June full moon with a gentle pink hue, a nod to the strawberry season, and a great reason to get outside and look up.
The 2025 Strawberry Moon arrives on June 11, offering a unique sight with its micromoon size and radiant reddish glow. This full moon, rooted in harvest traditions, promises rare photo ops and will shine brightest in the early morning skies, especially from low-horizon locations.
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