2025's Strawberry Moon Celestial Event: Rare Micro Moon Illuminates Global Skies

The full 'Strawberry Moon' graced the night sky on June 10-11, 2025, offering a breathtaking celestial display across the globe. This lunar event, named for its association with the strawberry harvesting season by the Algonquin tribes in the northeastern U.S., was visible in multiple countries, including the U.S., Greece, Iraq, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The moon appeared unusually low in the sky, a rare phenomenon not seen in 18 years, and took on a yellow-orange hue near the horizon due to atmospheric light scattering.

Key locations where the Strawberry Moon was photographed include Halabja, Iraq, where a violinist played under its glow; the ancient Acropolis in Athens, Greece; the Empire State Building in New York City; and Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia. Other notable sightings occurred in Cyprus, Israel, Indonesia, and Spain, where the moon was captured behind landmarks like the Parthenon temple and the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool.

The exact timing of the full moon phase varied by location. For instance, in New York, it peaked at 3:44 a.m. EDT (0744 GMT) on June 11. The event was celebrated by photographers and stargazers alike, with many sharing dazzling images of the moon's brilliance. The Strawberry Moon is also known by other names, such as the Green Corn Moon (Cherokee), Blooming Moon, and Hatching Moon, reflecting its cultural significance.

The phenomenon occurs when the moon is positioned opposite the sun in Earth's sky, allowing the lunar disk to be fully illuminated. Despite its name, the moon's color is not necessarily red or pink but often appears golden near the horizon. This year's Strawberry Moon was particularly notable for its low trajectory and vivid appearance, making it a highlight for astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.

The full 'Strawberry Moon' graced the night sky on June 10-11, 2025, offering a spectacular celestial display. This phenomenon, named by the Native American Algonquian tribes, coincides with the strawberry harvesting season. The moon appeared fully lit and low in the sky, often taking on a yellow-orange hue near the horizon due to atmospheric light scattering. The event was visible globally, with notable sightings in cities like New York, Liverpool, Athens, Sydney, and Cyprus. The moon reached its full phase at 3:44 a.m. EDT (0744 GMT) on June 11 for viewers in New York, though timing varied by location. The 'Strawberry Moon' is also known by other names, such as the Green Corn Moon (Cherokee), Blooming Moon, Birth Moon, and Hatching Moon, reflecting cultural diversity in lunar nomenclature. The event was captured in stunning photographs from various locations, including the Parthenon in Athens, the Empire State Building in New York, and Coogee Beach in Sydney. The Old Farmer's Almanac provided historical context for the moon's name, emphasizing its agricultural significance. This celestial event was a highlight for stargazers and photographers alike, marking a rare and visually striking moment in the lunar calendar.

Skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere will witness a celestial event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, as the Strawberry Moon, the last full moon of spring, rises in the night sky. This year, the moon will appear as a "micro moon," slightly smaller and dimmer than usual due to its greater distance from Earth. While the moon will not actually turn strawberry-colored, it may appear yellow or orange when low on the horizon because of atmospheric light scattering, enhancing its visual appeal. The event promises to be a memorable sight for observers. The Strawberry Moon is a significant astronomical occurrence, marking the transition from spring to summer. It is named after the strawberry harvesting season in North America. The phenomenon is part of a series of full moons throughout the year, each with its own cultural and historical significance. This event is particularly notable for its "micro moon" status, which occurs when the moon is at or near its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit.

The full 'Strawberry Moon' will grace the night sky on June 11, 2025, offering a spectacular celestial display. This event marks the last full moon of spring or the first of summer, depending on the calendar. The moon will reach peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) in the United States, though the best viewing time will be on June 10 at dusk when it rises above the southeastern horizon, casting a warm, amber hue. The moon will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, as it will be near its farthest point from Earth, qualifying it as a 'micro moon.'

The name 'Strawberry Moon' originates from the Native American Algonquian tribes, who associated it with the short strawberry harvesting season in June. Despite its name, the moon will not appear red but may take on a yellow or orange tint when low on the horizon due to atmospheric light scattering. Other cultures have referred to it as the Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Birth Moon, or Hatching Moon.

For optimal viewing, stargazers are advised to find locations with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Tools like The Old Farmer's Almanac can provide local moonrise and moonset times. The Strawberry Moon will also be visible in the Northern Hemisphere, with exact timing varying by location. This celestial event serves as a seasonal marker, occurring just days before the summer solstice on June 20.