June’s Strawberry Moon Is This Weekend, Here’s What You Should Know

The Strawberry Moon, which occurs at the end of spring or the beginning of summer, holds significant symbolism as a time of transition and growth. It is believed the moon’s cycle influences the emotions and moods of individuals, and despite any initial concerns, the Strawberry Moon is naturally associated with positive energy. This year, it coincides with the passionate fire sign of Sagittarius, symbolizing a hopeful and expansive outlook.

While one might assume the name “Strawberry Moon” originates from its pinkish hue, full moon names typically draw inspiration from the seasons, weather patterns, or animals that thrive during specific periods. NASA explains that various Native American tribes, including the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Lakota, and Dakota, named it the Strawberry Moon because it signaled the time to gather ripe strawberries and other fruits.

Notably, alternative names for the Strawberry full moon include the Honey Moon, the Rose Moon in Celtic traditions, and the Mead Moon in Anglo-Saxon lore. The latter name originates from the tradition of mowing meadows during this time. Each month’s full moon possesses its own unique name, ranging from the Wolf Moon in January to the Blue Moon in August. However, here’s everything you need to know about the “Strawberry Moon.”

It Will Look Very Big When It’s On The Horizon

As the Moon hangs low in the sky, an optical illusion will take place, making it seem remarkably large when it is near the horizon. When the Moon is in close proximity to buildings, trees, or mountains, our minds perceive it as larger than it actually is. This effect is known as the “Moon Illusion” and becomes more pronounced during the summer season. The reason for this is that during the days surrounding the official “full” Moon phase, the Moon’s position on the horizon is significantly lower compared to other times of the year.

It’s The Final Non-Supermoon Until October

Next month’s full moon, referred to as the “Buck Moon,” will mark the beginning of a sequence of four supermoons for the year. The subsequent full moon that can be considered an average-sized moon will not appear until the “Hunter’s Moon” on October 28, 2023.

It Will Look Orange Like A Sunset

As the transition from day to night unfolds and the sun begins its descent, a spectacle emerges, the appearance of an orange full moon on the opposite horizon. The coloration of this lunar display can be attributed to atmospheric conditions near the horizon. When witnessing a sunset, sunrise, moonrise, or moonset, your line of sight takes you closer to the denser portion of the atmosphere.

As sunlight or moonlight traverses through this thicker atmospheric layer, shorter-wavelength colors like blue and green scatter more easily, while longer-wavelength colors such as yellow, orange, and red encounter less obstruction, reaching your eyes more prominently. This phenomenon, scientifically termed Rayleigh scattering, contributes to the delightful orange hue that adorns the moon.

It Will Look Best The Night Before It’s Full

While the official time for the full moon is scheduled for June 4, 2023, at 03:41 UTC (or 23:41 p.m. EDT on June 3), the optimal viewing opportunity to behold its beauty will be during moonrise on Saturday, June 3, 2023. This enchanting sight will be accessible to observers located in North America, Europe, or Africa.

It’s The Lowest Full Moon Of 2023

Observers during this month will witness a phenomenon known as a low-hanging moon. This sight occurs when the moon rises and sets without ascending significantly above the southern horizon. The underlying reason for this can be attributed to the alignment of the Moon’s orbit with the Sun. The moon orbits along the ecliptic, which closely aligns with the sun’s path. At this particular time of year, when viewed from northern latitudes, the ecliptic appears high in the sky during the day and low during the night.

The summer solstice, taking place on June 21, 2023, marks the sun’s highest point in the sky for the year. As a result, daylight hours are longer, and nights are shorter. Consequently, around the time of June’s full moon, our celestial companion appears at its lowest position in the sky, enhancing the perception of a low-hanging moon in the northern hemisphere.

A Bright Summer Star Will Be Closely Seen

As the full moon ascends into the night sky, cast your eyes just below it to witness the awe-inspiring presence of Antares, a red supergiant star. Antares proudly holds the title of the brightest star within the summer constellation of Scorpius. Positioned at a staggering distance of around 554.5 light-years from our solar system, Antares illuminates the celestial realm with its radiant glow. Its brilliance adds a touch of cosmic splendor to the surrounding expanse, creating a spectacle in the night sky.