The first full moon of the summer, coined the strawberry moon, will light up the sky next week.

SAN FRANCISCO — The first full moon of the official summer season will rise Wednesday, giving stargazers a sweet glimpse of June’s strawberry moon.

Despite its name, you shouldn’t expect the moon to visually look pink or red in color as it rises above the horizon Wednesday night.

The moon will appear full for about three days, from June 10 through the morning of June 12, according to NASA.

June’s full moon is the first since the beginning of meteorological summer.

Why is it called a strawberry moon?

Each full moon has a set of nicknames, popularized by farmer’s almanacs and connected to the seasons when they take place.

For example, May’s flower moon got its name because it reflects the abundant blooming across North America during May, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

NASA says such almanacs attribute the June “strawberry moon” to the Algonquin tribes of what is now the northeastern U.S. The name refers the time of year when fresh berries are harvested. Europeans have dubbed it the rose moon, while other cultures named it the hot moon for the beginning of the summer heat, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

The moon will not change color, but it will look larger and brighter than usual.

What’s the difference between the strawberry moon and a blood moon?

Simply put: the blood moon appears red and the strawberry moon doesn’t.

The blood moon is a much more rare occurrence than the annual strawberry moon. It’s only visible during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth lines up between the moon and sun, according to NASA.

The strawberry moon is June’s usual full moon, something that happens every month or so.

If the moon appears a red or pink color when an eclipse is not occurring, it could be caused by wildfire smoke or other factors.

Why is the moon so big in June?

NASA says it will be the lowest full moon of the calendar year. It’s low position in the sky gives the moon a larger appearance, a term known as the “Moon Illusion.”

NASA’s interactive map for observing the Moon each day of the year shows the strawberry moon will actually be a few thousand miles closer to Earth during the full moon phase.

Last year, the moon came after the summer solstice (or the longest day of the year), which is set for Friday, June 20.

How often does a full moon happen?

The most common answer to this question is 28 days, but that’s not actually correct. A full moon happens roughly every 29.5 days, according to NASA.

Technically, it takes 27.3 days for the moon to complete an orbit around the earth. But because both are spinning around the sun, the moon has changed position enough that the sun hits it at a different angle on day 27 than day 0. It takes another two days for the sun’s light to hit the moon exactly like it did on day 0.

Usually, this means there’s one full moon every month. But occasionally, the timing can work out so that there’s a full moon at the beginning of the month and one at the end. That second full moon is known as a blue moon.

When is the next full moon?

Don’t Miss June’s Cosmic Spectacle: Dazzling Planet Alignments, the Strawberry Moon, and the Solstice Illuminate North Texas Skies

Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and more will shine this June—here’s when and how to catch the month’s most jaw-dropping night sky events.

Quick Facts: Summer Solstice: June 20, 2025, at 9:42 p.m. CDT—Longest day of the year.

June 20, 2025, at 9:42 p.m. CDT—Longest day of the year. Strawberry Moon: Visible June 10–11—peaks at 2:43 a.m. CT on June 11.

Visible June 10–11—peaks at 2:43 a.m. CT on June 11. Venus’s Glow: Outshining all planets in the predawn sky every morning in June.

Outshining all planets in the predawn sky every morning in June. Celestial Distances: Neptune is nearly 2 billion miles beyond Saturn this month.

Skies over North Texas will come alive this June with a rare planetary gathering, a super-bright full moon, and the much-anticipated summer solstice. Amateur astronomers and early risers alike are in for a treat, as cosmic wonders align for unmissable views all month long.

Q: What Can North Texans See in the Skies This June?

Begin and end your days with awe. June offers several sky highlights that are best with binoculars or a simple gaze upward. Venus dominates the predawn hours, gleaming in the east and joined by Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus in stunning conjunctions.

Not an early bird? The evenings won’t disappoint. Jupiter teams up with Mercury in the twilight west, while the Strawberry Moon dazzles mid-month with its rosy glow.

How to Catch the Planet Parade: Venus, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus

– Venus: Visible every clear morning before sunrise in the east—the brightest planet in the sky. View it unaided or magnified through a telescope for hint of its crescent phase.

– Saturn & Neptune: On June 29, Neptune sits just one degree north of Saturn. Grab your binoculars around dawn and look to the upper left of Saturn to glimpse pale-blue Neptune, lying almost 1.9 billion miles farther out.

– Uranus: Joining the show by late June, Uranus pairs with Venus on June 30, sitting 5 degrees northeast of the brilliant “morning star.”

Tip: Use a star app or observe just before sunrise for best results. For more tips, check out Nasa.

Jupiter and Mercury’s Twilight Tango: When and Where to Look

For just a few evenings, catch Jupiter and Mercury cozying up in the western sky. Watch about 20–30 minutes after sunset, June 6–9, to spot these two bright planets perched three degrees above the horizon before they dip out of sight.

Jupiter fades by late June, but Mercury climbs higher each dusk—stay out a bit longer and track its progress.

Get sky forecasts at The Weather Channel and plan a stargazing night!

Q: What’s Special About the June Full Moon?

This year’s Strawberry Moon shines its brightest June 10–11, peaking early on June 11 at 2:43 a.m. CT. The name comes from Algonquin tribes who timed strawberry harvests with this very moon, a tradition still celebrated today.

Look southeast on the evening of June 10—the glowing orb heralds both the bounty of summer and the last full moon of spring. Capture its beauty with your smartphone or camera for a once-a-year lunar photo op.

Explore lunar lore and phases at Time and Date.

How to Decode Moon Phases and Orbit Oddities

June’s lunar calendar includes all eight moon phases, from the invisible New Moon (rises and sets with the sun) to the bright Full Moon and back again.

New Moon: June 6

June 6 First Quarter: June 14

June 14 Full Moon: June 11

June 11 Third Quarter: June 21

Travel tip: On June 7, the moon reaches its farthest point (apogee) from Earth—251,999 miles away. By June 22, it swoops to perigee at just 225,670 miles, making for ever-changing moon sizes in the night sky!

Q: What’s the Summer Solstice—and Why Does It Matter?

June 20, 2025, brings the summer solstice to the Northern Hemisphere at 9:42 p.m. CDT. This is when the sun reaches its northernmost swing and stands almost directly overhead, giving us the year’s longest day and shortest night.

Fun fact: The Earth covers more than 340 million miles in its solar orbit by the end of June—and you’re along for the ride at 67,000 mph!

Celebrate the new season, and consider joining a solstice event at a local planetarium or at Space.com.

How to Maximize Your Summer Skywatching

Find a location away from city lights for the best views.

Use binoculars to spot Neptune and Uranus near Saturn and Venus.

Check sunset and sunrise times to plan planet and moon viewings.

Share your photos and discoveries with friends or local astronomy groups.

Grab your binoculars, mark your calendars, and let the wonders of June’s skies inspire you!

June 2025 Stargazer’s Checklist:

✅ Spot Venus every morning before dawn

✅ Catch Neptune and Saturn’s close approach (June 29)

✅ Witness Jupiter and Mercury at sunset (June 6–9)

✅ Enjoy the Strawberry Moon rise (June 10–11)

✅ Celebrate the summer solstice (June 20)

Don’t Miss This!June 2025’s Stunning Strawberry Moon & Sky Events!

Watch this video on YouTube

Stay curious, keep looking up, and explore more at Nasa.gov or Space.com!

The Strawberry Moon will appear on June 11, visible across the United States. It will rise low in the southeastern sky and appear large due to the moon illusion. The name comes from Native American tribes and the seasonal strawberry harvest. Observers can enjoy the full moon after sunset on June 10.

Canada’s skies will soon shine again with another full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, will appear on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

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Origin of Strawberry Moon Name

Why Moon Looks Full

Viewing Date, Time and Best Locations

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Why Moon Appears Larger

FAQs

This month’s full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, will appear in the night sky on June 11. It will be visible shortly after sunset on June 10 and is expected to look large and bright as it rises low on the southeastern horizon.The term Strawberry Moon does not relate to the moon’s color. It is linked to the strawberry harvest season in June. Native American Algonquian tribes are believed to have given it this name. Other cultures have called it the Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Birth Moon, or Hatching Moon. These names refer to seasonal events.A full moon happens when the moon is directly opposite the sun from Earth. This makes the moon’s surface fully visible from our viewpoint. During this time, sunlight reflects off the moon’s face, giving it a full appearance. The Strawberry Moon may look yellow or orange due to atmospheric scattering, especially near the horizon.In New York, the moon will be full at 3:44 a.m. EDT on June 11. The exact time will differ depending on location. People are advised to check websites like TimeandDate.com for local times. The best time to view the Strawberry Moon is after sunset on June 10 when it rises in the southeast.When the moon is near the horizon, it often looks bigger. This is due to the moon illusion . Our brains perceive objects on the horizon as larger than those higher in the sky, even though the moon’s size does not actually change.Each year, the June full moon takes a low path across the sky. This happens near the summer solstice, when the sun is high. In 2025, the Strawberry Moon will travel even lower than usual. According to EarthSky.org, this is due to the moon’s tilted orbit and the sun’s gravitational pull affecting its path.It is named after the strawberry harvest season in June, a term used by Native American tribes, not because of its color.The best time is after sunset on June 10, when it rises in the southeast and appears full and bright.

This Wednesday, June 11, step outside at the right time and you’ll catch the last full moon rise of the spring –– the Strawberry Micro Moon. According to NASA, this is when the moon will be at its farthest point from Earth, meaning it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer.

The strawberry name is not due to color. Rather, it comes from the Algonquin tribes in North America, as this moon signaled that wild strawberries were ready for harvest. According to Space.com, other cultures have dubbed the event the Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Birth Moon and Hatching Moon, to name a few.

The moon will be at its fullest at 3:44 a.m. ET. However, if you can’t stay up late, LiveScience says to catch a glimpse when it rises on June 10.

The moon takes approximately 29.5 days to orbit Earth, a period known as a lunar cycle. As the moon moves through its various stages, it experiences several phases of partial light. These range from a banana-shaped crescent moon, a D-shaped quarter moon and a nearly full gibbous moon.

Miss your chance? The next full moon takes place July 10. This moon is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer, or bucks, are in full-growth mode at this time.

If you’ve always wanted to see a comet, now is a great time! In 2025, at least two comets will become visible via binoculars. Our Sky Tonight app will help you easily find any comet in the sky in your specific location. Let’s see what the heavens have in store for us!

Contents

C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)

Perihelion: November 8, 2025 (mag ~8)

Closest approach to Earth: October 21, 2025 (mag ~8)

Where to observe: Northern Hemisphere

Visibility forecast: At the end of October 2025, Comet Lemmon will pass as close as 0.6 AU to Earth, conveniently positioned in the evening sky for observers in the Northern Hemisphere . In October and November, the comet might reach a magnitude of about 8 and become visible through binoculars . There is also a chance that C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) will become even brighter (about magnitude 3 ), as such comets tend to brighten significantly near perihelion. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

. In October and November, the comet might reach a magnitude of about 8 and become . There is also a chance that C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) will become even brighter (about ), as such comets tend to brighten significantly near perihelion. Let’s keep our fingers crossed! Description: C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) is a dynamically old comet, meaning it has passed close to the Sun multiple times. It was discovered on January 3, 2025, by astronomers at Arizona’s Mount Lemmon Observatory, USA. Initially, the object was designated CCNG6P2; 1.5 months later, it was confirmed to be a comet and named C/2025 A6 (Lemmon).

210P/Christensen

Perihelion: November 22, 2025 (mag 8.3)

Closest approach to Earth: November 8, 2025 (mag 8.1)

Where to observe: Northern Hemisphere

Visibility forecast: In November 2025, Comet Christensen might become visible through binoculars .

. Description: 210P/Christensen is a Jupiter family periodic comet discovered by American astronomer Eric Christensen on May 26, 2003, in images taken by the Catalina Sky Survey. The comet has an orbital period of 5.7 years. Its nucleus is about 1.7 km (1.06 miles) in diameter.

24P/Schaumasse

Perihelion: January 8, 2026 (mag 8.5)

Closest approach to Earth: January 4, 2026 (mag 8.5)

Where to observe: Both hemispheres

Visibility forecast: Comet Schaumasse will reach its brightest in early 2026 and might become visible with binoculars . Before that, from November 8 to 11, 2025, the comet will be passing close to the famous Beehive Cluster (M44) in the sky, providing a good photo opportunity.

. Before that, from November 8 to 11, 2025, the comet will be passing close to the famous Beehive Cluster (M44) in the sky, providing a good photo opportunity. Description: Comet 24/P Schaumasse is a periodic comet discovered by French astronomer Alexandre Schaumasse on 1 December 1911 in Nice, France. It has an orbital period of 8.18 years. The comet nucleus is estimated to be 2.6 km (1.6 miles) in diameter.

C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos)

Perihelion: January 20, 2026 (mag 5.2)

Closest approach to Earth: Feb 17, 2026 (mag 6.2)

Where to observe: Northern Hemisphere (before perihelion), Southern Hemisphere (after perihelion)

Visibility forecast: In the autumn of 2025, the comet may become visible through small telescopes or binoculars for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Then, as the comet moves toward perihelion, it will be positioned too close to the Sun to be observable. After perihelion, it will be best observable from the Southern Hemisphere and might be visible with binoculars .

for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Then, as the comet moves toward perihelion, it will be positioned too close to the Sun to be observable. After perihelion, it will be best observable from the Southern Hemisphere and might be visible with . Description: Comet C/2024 E1 Wierzchos was discovered by Polish astronomer Kacper Wierzchos on March 3, 2024, in images taken by the Mount Lemmon Survey. The comet’s orbital period is yet to be determined.

How to find a comet using Sky Tonight?

Comets are faint and fuzzy objects that are hard to detect, so it’s best to know their location for certain. The Sky Tonight app will help you quickly find any bright comet in the sky. Here’s what you need to do:

Tap the magnifier icon at the lower part of the screen;

at the lower part of the screen; In the Search field , enter the comet’s name or designation;

, enter the comet’s name or designation; Find the comet in the search results and tap the blue target icon next to its name;

next to its name; The app will show the comet’s current location in the sky;

Point your device at the sky and follow the white arrow to find the comet.

You can also tap the comet’s name in the search results and then go to the Events tab to view the events related to the comet: perihelion and closest approach to Earth. Tap the blue target icon next to the event to see the comet’s location at the time of perihelion or closest approach.

Next comet visible from Earth: Bottom line

The next comet to reach perihelion is C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), which should become easy to spot with binoculars from the Northern Hemisphere in late October. We’ll keep you updated on all the news about upcoming comets.

While working on this article, we used data provided by the Comet Observation database, TheSkyLive website, as well as by astronomers Gideon van Buitenen and Seiichi Yoshida.