WASHINGTON, June 10 — Stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere are in for a rare celestial treat in the early hours of June 11 as the full Strawberry Moon graces the skies — and with a unique twist. Set to peak at 3:44 a.m. ET, this year’s June full moon will be the lowest full moon in nearly two decades, an effect attributed to a rare astronomical phenomenon called the major lunar standstill.
“This is a special moment for skywatchers. The Moon will hug the horizon more closely than usual, making it appear dramatically large,” said an astronomer from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which tracks such seasonal events.
Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon isn’t pink or red. Instead, the name traces its roots to centuries-old traditions among Native American Algonquian tribes, as well as Colonial and European communities. For the Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, the June full moon signified the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries and marked an important time in the harvest cycle.
This full moon is also known by other traditional names such as the Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Egg Laying Moon, and Birth Moon — each reflecting nature’s rhythms and seasonal transitions.
What makes this year’s Strawberry Moon particularly striking is its connection to the major lunar standstill, a cyclical event that occurs every 18.6 years when the Moon’s orbit reaches extreme inclinations. “The Moon will rise and set at the farthest points on the horizon, making its arc through the sky appear unusually shallow,” explained the astronomer. “We won’t see this kind of lunar behavior again until 2043.”
The visual effect is likely to be most pronounced for observers in the Northern Hemisphere, where the Moon will sit exceptionally low in the southern sky, magnifying its apparent size.
Skywatchers are advised to find open areas with minimal light pollution for the clearest view. “A clear horizon and a bit of patience will reward you with one of the most stunning moonrises of the year,” said the astronomer.
As the first full moon of the summer and the last of spring, the Strawberry Moon not only serves as a signal of seasonal shift but also offers a reminder of ancient timekeeping and humanity’s enduring connection with the cosmos.
