Strawberry Moon 2025: Rare lunar phenomenon explained— When and where to watch it

In the last few weeks – on and off – Aurora Borealis has been kind. People all around the world have witnessed the mesmerizing celestial wonder. And now, it’s time for another ethereal treat!On the night of June 11, a rare and captivating celestial event will grace the skies—the Strawberry Moon.

This full moon, visible across the Northern Hemisphere, is not only a visual spectacle but also a convergence of cultural significance and astronomical rarity.

What Is the Strawberry Moon?

The term "Strawberry Moon" originates from Native American traditions, particularly the Algonquin tribes, who named it to mark the peak of strawberry harvesting season in June. Despite its name, the moon doesn't appear strawberry-colored; instead, it often exhibits a warm golden hue, especially when rising near the horizon.

This coloration is due to the scattering of shorter light wavelengths by Earth's atmosphere, allowing the longer red wavelengths to dominate, similar to the hues observed during sunrise or sunset.

Why is the Strawberry Moon 2025 special?

This year's Strawberry Moon is particularly noteworthy due to its occurrence during a Major Lunar Standstill, a phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years. During this period, the moon reaches its most extreme northern and southern points in the sky, resulting in lower and larger appearances when rising or setting.

This unique alignment makes the 2025 Strawberry Moon a rare event—often called a ‘major lunar standstill’—that won't be repeated until 2043.

Strawberry Moon 2025: Where to watch

United States:National Parks: Parks like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Acadia offer expansive views and minimal light pollution, perfect for stargazing.East Coast Cities: Cities like New York and Washington, D.C., provide skyline views with the moon rising over the horizon.Europe:Scotland: The Glencoe valley is renowned for its dark skies and panoramic views, making it an excellent spot for observing the Strawberry Moon.Iceland: With its vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, Iceland offers some of the best conditions for moon gazing.Spain: The beaches of Barcelona and Valencia provide picturesque settings for moonrise views.

Strawberry Moon 2025: When to watch

The Strawberry Moon will rise shortly after sunset. It will reach its peak on Wednesday, June 11, at 3:44 am ET, as per NASA. However, the moon will dazzle backyard astronomers everywhere in the evening on Tuesday, June 10, as this will be the best time to see the spectacle as it rises during dusk, according to LiveScience.In areas where the weather permits, the moon will appear a shade of red or orange.Though the moon will be full, it might appear 14% smaller and 30% dimmer, a phenomenon known as a micromoon. According to NASA, this occurs when the celestial body is at its farthest point from Earth.

Tips for observing the Strawberry Moon:

Optimal viewing time: The Moon will rise just after sunset on 10 June and reach its peak brightness in the early hours of 11 June. Best visible across the southeastern horizon, this full Moon may take on a reddish glow, adding to its spectacle.

The best time to observe the Strawberry Moon is shortly after moonrise, when it appears larger and more golden due to atmospheric effects.Location: Choose a spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, away from artificial lights, to minimize light pollution.Check the weather: Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. Check local weather forecasts to ensure favorable conditions.Equipment: While the moon is visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, revealing more lunar details.Photography: For capturing the moon's beauty, use a camera with manual settings. A tripod can help stabilize the camera for clearer shots.