Why the strawberry moon won’t be this low again until 2043
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When is the next full moon? The June Strawberry Moon is special. Here’s why, what it is
The June full moon is called the Strawberry Moon because it’s tied to wild strawberry harvesting, which is a spring food staple to the Native tribes in North America. The full moon will reach its peak at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11. It will be the lowest full moon since 2006 and the last until 2043. It may also appear golden or orangey in color, due to how low it will sit on the horizon. The last time the full moon was this low was 18.6 years ago, according to starwalk.space.com, in what’s known as a major lunar standstill. The moon may appear orange or golden due to atmospheric pollutants and its low position. June’s full moon, called the strawberry moon, will also be the first full moon of the summer, and it will bring a special sight in the sky. It won’t happen again until 2042 or 2043, depending on the time of year and where you are in the world.
This year’s Strawberry Moon will be the lowest on the horizon since 2006, due to a major lunar standstill.
The moon may appear orange or golden due to atmospheric pollutants and its low position.
The Strawberry Moon gets its name from the ripening of wild strawberries, spring food staple for Native American tribes.
June’s full moon is next week and it will bring a special sight in the sky.
We’re in the middle of a major lunar standstill, meaning June’s full moon will be at its lowest point since 2006. And it won’t happen again until 2043. June’s full moon, called the Strawberry Moon, will also be the first full moon of the summer.
And because of how low the full moon will be positioned, it will appear larger than normal and may even appear to have a golden or orange tint.
Here’s when the June Strawberry Moon is, why it’s called that and why this month’s full moon will be special for the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the next full moon? Mark your calendar for the Strawberry Moon
The next full moon will be on Wednesday, June 11, and is called the Strawberry Moon. The full moon will reach its peak at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11.
Why is the June full moon called a Strawberry Moon?
The June full moon is called the Strawberry Moon because it’s tied to wild strawberry harvesting, which is a spring food staple to the Native tribes in North America.
“The June full Moon got the name ‘Strawberry Moon’ from a number of North American native tribes, since the wild strawberry reaches peak ripeness and is ready for harvesting in June,” The Almanac says.
“Because of the importance of the wild strawberry as a spring food staple, the name ‘Strawberry Moon’ was given to the June full Moon by the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Chippewa, Oneida and Sioux tribes… Several tribes use other berry-related names for the June full Moon, depending on which berries are most prominent in their homelands.”
Here are some other names for the June full moon, according to the Farmers’ Almanac:
Blackberry Moon, used by The Creek of the southeastern United States
Raspberry Moon, used by The Shawnee of Ohio and Pennsylvania
Berries Ripen Moon, used by The Haida tribe of Alaska
Windy Moon, used by The Choctaw of the southern Great Plains
Honey Moon or Mead Moon, from Anglo-Saxon traditions
Rose Moon, used in much of Europe
Lotus Moon, used in China
In 2024, to honor the first white buffalo calf being born in Yellowstone National Park, Farmers’ Almanac named June’s full Moon the “White Buffalo Moon.”
What is special about the June full moon? It will be the lowest full moon until 2043
June’s full moon will be special. It will be the lowest full moon since 2006 and the last until 2043. And it may also appear golden or orangey in color, due to how low it will sit on the horizon.
“In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the lowest full moon seen until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon ” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Look for the full moon at 3:44 a.m. ET June 11, about 22 degrees above the southern horizon.”
The last time the full moon was this low was 18.6 years ago, according to starwalk.space.com, in what’s known as a major lunar standstill. It won’t happen again until 2043.
This full moon may even appear golden, orange, or even reddish. Because June’s full moon will sit so low on the horizon, pollutants in the air could make it look golden or orangey, which often happens while the moon is rising.
If you’ve ever spotted an orange or yellow-ish moon high in the sky on a night that there isn’t a lunar eclipse, it’s due to pollutants in the atmosphere — like dust, or smoke from wildfires or brush fires.
The particles of pollutants scatter light and can make the moon look yellow-ish, orange or even red sometimes. The moon most often appears red, yellow or orange when it’s rising or setting, which is more common than seeing a discolored risen moon high in the sky.
“Atmospheric particles tend to scatter shorter wavelengths of light more than longer wavelengths. Orange and red light, which have longer wavelengths, tend to pass through the atmosphere, while shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue, get scattered,” Wonderopolis says.
“That’s why the Moon — and the Sun! — look orange or red when they’re rising or setting. At those times, they’re low in the sky close to the horizon and their light must travel through the maximum amount of atmosphere to reach your eyes.”
June’s full moon is the closest full moon to the summer solstice, which falls on June 21 this year. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Why is the moon orange? The 2025 blood moon passed in March. What to know
When is the longest day of the year in 2025?
Every year in June, the summer solstice marks the exact time when the sun reaches it northernmost point in the sky, according to EarthSky. In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice marks the shortest night and longest day of the year.
The summer solstice occurs at 10:41 p.m. ET on Friday, June 20 this year.
What is a major lunar standstill?
According to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, “Every 18.6 years, our moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the earth… The moon rises and sets at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon.” This is called a major lunar standstill. We entered the current major lunar standstill six months ago, in December.
Major lunar standstills are possible because the moon and sun don’t follow the same path across our horizon. And the moon’s orbit around the earth wobbles. The imperfectness of the moon’s orbit around earth means that it gradually rises and sets at different points across the horizon over the 18.6-year-period between Major Lunar Standstills.
In simpler terms: It takes just over 18-and-a-half years for the moon to wobble from south, to north and back.
During the December full moon, known as the Cold Moon, the moon officially reached its northernmost position, where it will stay positioned for about two years – that’s where the “standstill” part of the name comes from.
But that doesn’t mean it will appear at the same place in the sky every night for two years, because the moon still goes through its phases.
“While this back and forth travel on the horizons occurs, we still observe the moon going through its familiar phases. That means each day the moon rises and sets in a slightly different phase and just less than an hour later in time,” The Griffith Observatory says.
“This can make observing the major lunar standstill challenging. The best standstill viewing is when the moon is full.”
When, where to see June Strawberry Moon in Florida
To see the June Strawberry Moon from Florida, look toward the southern horizon at 3:44 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 11.
Can’t pull yourself out of bed? You can see it later, but that’s the time it will reach its peak. Although a full moon only stays truly full for a moment, it still appears full to the naked eye for a few days.
“The moon appears full to the eye for two to three nights,” according to EarthSky. “However, astronomers regard the moon as full at a precisely defined instant, when the moon is exactly 180 degrees opposite the sun in ecliptic longitude.”
Make sure you have a clear view since June’s full moon will only be positioned about 22 degrees above the horizon.
How many full moons will we have in 2025?
There are 12 full moons each year, one in every month. Each month’s full moon has a nickname or a variety of nicknames. Including the Strawberry Moon in June, there are seven full moons left in 2025.
Here’s a list of 2025’s full moon dates:
Strawberry full moon to illuminate skies this month
Strawberry Moon will be at its lowest for nearly 20 years. Named by Native Americans and European cultures to signal the time of year that wild strawberries were harvested. The best time to catch it will be 8.44pm BST on June 11 when the moon will reach its peak. The next full moon after the summer equinox will be the Buck Moon in July. It is caused by an event known as a ‘major lunar standstill’
Known as the Strawberry Moon, it was named by Native Americans and European cultures to signal the time of year that wild strawberries were harvested.
Unfortunately, the Strawberry Moon won’t be pink in colour, although it may adapt a rusty reddish orange tint because of its position in the lower layer of the atmosphere.
The moon is also expected to be at its lowest for nearly 20 years, which is related to the inclination of its orbit.
Experts believe that the Strawberry Moon, also known as the ‘Rose Moon’ and ‘Hot Moon’, won’t appear this low again until 2043. It is caused by an event known as a ‘major lunar standstill.’
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Professor Christopher Collins, an emeritus astrophysics professor from Liverpool John Moores University, said: “The Strawberry Moon, which appears in June, has historically been used to signify the changing seasons and to keep track of time for harvesting.
“It got its name from Native American tradition, as strawberry harvesting traditionally takes place in June once they have ripened.
“However, it is also known as the Rose Moon to European cultures.
“It will appear low because of its orbiting cycle, which lasts around 20 years. So the last time we will have had it appear this low was 2006.
“The moon’s orbit is slowly moved around due to the gravitational pull of the sun. The June moon rides low because it is opposite the sun.”
And it will look so much brighter than normal because it so low.
The best time to catch it will be 8.44pm BST on June 11 when the moon will reach its peak.
To the naked eye, the special moon might not appear any more red than usual as the nickname comes from its cultural background.
The next full moon after the summer equinox will be the Buck Moon in July.
June’s full moon isn’t just pretty, it’s rare. One won’t happen like it again until 2043
June’s Strawberry Moon takes its name from seasonal plant growth. It will be on the rise on Wednesday, June 11, at 3:44 a.m. ET. Because it’s so early in the day, the best time to view the moon will be June 10, when it rises at sunset. The moon will appear about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than it usually does because it’s at its farthest point point from the Earth. The full moon has the distinction of being the lowest in the sky since 2006, an event that won’t happen again until 2043, according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, it will fall on Friday, June 20.
The moon won’t be red in color like it was during the blood moon in March but a gold color. Rather, this full moon coincides with the annual harvest of the favorite berry.
June’s Strawberry Moon takes its name from seasonal plant growth, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many ripening strawberries were ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States.
This full moon has the distinction of being the lowest in the sky since 2006, an event that won’t happen again until 2043. This is due to a phenomenon known as a “major lunar standstill” or “lunistice,” a part of a natural cycle that takes place over 18.6 years that subtly changes where the moon rises and sets, according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Here’s what to know about the full moon in June.
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When is the full moon in June?
It will be on the rise on Wednesday, June 11, at 3:44 a.m.
It will be at its fullest at 3:44 a.m. ET, according to NASA. But because it’s so early in the day, the best time to view the moon will be June 10, when it rises at sunset, according to LiveScience.
What’s the weather expected to be like on Cape Cod?
While the day is supposed to be rainy, by tonight skies are expected to start clearing on Cape Cod, according to AccuWeather, meaning people will probably be able to see the full moon.
What is a micromoon?
The June full moon will be a micromoon, which means it will appear smaller and dimmer than it usually does. That’s because the moon is currently at its farthest point point from the Earth. The moon also will appear about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer.
Will the full moon coincide with the summer solstice?
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. In 2025, it will fall on Friday, June 20.
Every 20 years or so, the Strawberry Moon falls on the same day at the summer solstice, according to the Time & Date website. This year, won’t be one of those times.
According to reports, the Strawberry Moon will coincide with the summer solstice again in 2062.
What’s the best way to see the Strawberry Moon?
A full moon can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
But in a past interview with USA Today Network, Tim Brothers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology technical Instructor and observatory manager, said with any case of stargazing, it’s much better if you’re using a good telescope or a pair of binoculars.
What are the names of some upcoming full moons?
According to Time and Date, they include:
Strawberry Moon : June 11, 2025
: June 11, 2025 Buck Moon : July 10, 2025
: July 10, 2025 Sturgeon Moon : Aug. 9, 2025
: Aug. 9, 2025 Corn Moon : Sept. 7, 2025
: Sept. 7, 2025 Harvest Moon: Oct. 6, 2025
When are the supermoons in 2025?
In 2025, there will be several supermoons. The next one will be on Oct. 7.
USA Today contributed to this report.
June full moon this week has major lunar standstill. Won’t happen again until 2043
June’s full moon will be at its lowest point since 2006 since we’re in the middle of a major lunar standstill. The moon will appear larger than normal low on the horizon and may even be orange or reddish at its peak at 3:44 a.m. ET June 11. The last time the full moon was this low was 18.6 years ago, in what’s known as a “major lunarStandstill.” The full moon is the closest full moon to the summer solstice, which falls on June 21 this year. It will be the lowest full moon seen until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The remaining full moons of 2025 are: Thursday, July 10: 4:37 p.m ET, sturgeon moon, Aug. 7: 9:55 a.M. ET, corn moon, Oct. 6: 11:48 pm ET. The summersolstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
It won’t happen again until 2043.
The moon will appear larger than normal low on the horizon and may even be orange or reddish at its peak at 3:44 a.m. ET June 11.
June’s full moon promises to be a special sight, if Mother Nature cooperates.
June’s full moon will be at its lowest point since 2006 since we’re in the middle of a major lunar standstill. You’ll have to wait awhile before it rolls around again; It won’t happen again until 2043.
If you’re outside, the moon will appear larger than normal low on the horizon and may even be orange or reddish.
Here’s what to know.
When is the full moon in June 2025?
The next full moon will be on Wednesday, June 11, with the peak occurring at 3:44 a.m. ET.
Why is the June full moon called a Strawberry Moon?
“The June full Moon got the name ‘strawberry moon’ from a number of North American native tribes, since the wild strawberry reaches peak ripeness and is ready for harvesting in June,” according to the Farmers Almanac.
“Because of the importance of the wild strawberry as a spring food staple, the name ‘Strawberry Moon’ was given to the June full moon by the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Chippewa, Oneida, and Sioux tribes.”
June full moon will be lowest full moon until 2043
June’s full moon will be special.
“In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the lowest full moon seen until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon ” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Look for the full moon at 3:44 a.m. ET June 11, about 22 degrees above the southern horizon.
“When the moon is low in the sky it appears especially big.”
The last time the full moon was this low was 18.6 years ago, according to starwalk.space.com, in what’s known as a major lunar standstill. It won’t happen again until 2043.
As the moon shines through the thick layer of air, it may appear golden, orange, or even reddish.
June’s full moon is the closest full moon to the summer solstice, which falls on June 21 this year. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
When, where to see June full moon in Florida
Look toward the southern horizon at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11. Can’t pull yourself out of bed? You can see it later but that’s the time it will reach its peak.
Make sure you have a clear view since the moon will only be about 22 degrees above the horizon.
What is a major lunar standstill?
“Every day, the moon rises in the east and sets in the west, but the location of the moonrise and moonset on the horizon changes, moving from north to south to north again over the course of a month. Throughout the 18.6-year lunar cycle, the northernmost and southernmost extremes also change,” Smithsonianmag.com said.
“During a major lunar standstill, the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset are at their farthest distance apart. This affects how long the moon appears to stay in the sky.”
Called a “major lunar standstill,” the natural phenomenon doesn’t take place over one day but over about two years when the moon rises and sets at more northerly and southerly spots along the horizon, Smithsonianmag.com said.
Full moon calendar 2025
According to astronomy.com, the remaining full moons of 2025 are:
Thursday, July 10: 4:37 p.m. ET, buck moon
Saturday, Aug. 9: 3:55 a.m. ET, sturgeon moon
Sunday, Sept. 7: 2:09 p.m. ET, corn moon
Monday, Oct. 6: 11:48 p.m. ET, hunter’s moon (super moon)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 8:19 a.m ET., beaver moon (super moon)
Thursday, Dec. 4: 6:14 p.m. ET, cold moon (super moon)
When is the summer solstice, longest day of the year in 2025?
The summer solstice occurs at 10:41 p.m. ET, June 20 this year.
The solstice marks the exact time when the sun reaches it northernmost point in the sky, according to EarthSky.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice marks the shortest night and longest day of the year.
When is the full moon in June 2025? Here’s when to see ‘strawberry moon’ in Texas
The June full moon is called the strawberry moon because it’s tied to wild strawberry harvesting. It will be the lowest full moon since 2006 and the last until 2043. It may also appear golden or orange in color because of its low position on the horizon. The full moon will reach its peak at 1:44 a.m. MT/2:44 CT on Wednesday, June 11. It is known by other names depending on the part of the U.S. or the country, such as the Blackberry Moon or the Lotus Moon in China.
It is known by other names depending on the part of the United States or the country. The Creek of the southeastern United States is called the Blackberry Moon. Much of Europe will call it the Rose Moon, and in China, it’s known as the Lotus Moon.
The full moon this month will be at its lowest point since 2006, which means it will appear larger than normal and may even appear to have a golden or orange tint.
Here’s when the June strawberry moon is, why it’s called that and why this month’s full moon will be special for the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the strawberry moon?
The next full moon, known as the strawberry moon, will occur on Wednesday, June 11. The full moon will reach its peak at 1:44 a.m. MT/2:44 a.m. CT.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Why is the June full moon called a Strawberry Moon?
The June full moon is called the strawberry moon because it’s tied to wild strawberry harvesting, which is a spring food staple to the Native tribes in North America.
“The June full Moon got the name ‘strawberry moon’ from a number of North American native tribes, since the wild strawberry reaches peak ripeness and is ready for harvesting in June,” The Almanac says.
What is special about the June full moon?
June’s full moon will be special since it will be the lowest full moon since 2006 and the last until 2043. It may also appear golden or orange in color because of its low position on the horizon.
“In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be the lowest full moon seen until 2043, staying unusually close to the horizon,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The last time the full moon was this low was 18.6 years ago, according to starwalk.space.com, in what’s known as a major lunar standstill. It won’t happen again until 2043.
This full moon may even appear golden, orange, or even reddish. Because June’s full moon will sit so low on the horizon, pollutants in the air could make it appear golden or orange, which often happens as the moon rises.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok. USAToday contributed to this report.