The upcoming full moon, referred to as the strawberry moon, is set to shine brightly in the night sky from the evening of June 10 through the morning of June 12. This celestial event is particularly notable as it will be the lowest full moon seen in decades, a rarity that will not occur again until 2043, according to NASA.
While the moon itself will not exhibit a pink or red hue despite its evocative name, it carries significance in various cultures. The term “strawberry moon” is rooted in the traditions of the Algonquin tribes, signifying the period of fresh berry harvesting. In Europe, it may also be identified as the “rose moon.”
One of the intriguing features of this June full moon is its proximity to Earth, making it appear larger than usual due to the phenomenon known as the “Moon Illusion.” NASA’s tools suggest that spectators will notice its comparatively closer position within the next few days.
In Portland and Southwest Washington, residents can expect fair viewing conditions for the event on Tuesday night, although there may be some cloud cover late in the evening. Meteorologist Chris McGinness has noted that the sky is likely to be no worse than partly cloudy, offering a good chance to enjoy the view. Coastal regions, however, may experience fog, but Wednesday night offers another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the full moon.
Following the strawberry moon, the next lunar event will be the Buck moon on July 10, marking one of the several full moons scheduled for 2025. Notable upcoming full moons include the Sturgeon moon on August 9, the Corn moon on September 7, the Harvest moon on October 6, and more, with supermoons occurring in the latter part of the year.
The strawberry moon not only captivates skywatchers, but it also serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms of our planet and its satellite, inviting us to connect with the beauty of the universe and the changing seasons.