There's nothing special about a full Moon, you might think, but June 2025’s Strawberry Moon is set to be a rather special full Moon, for a rather particular reason.
This full Moon, visible 10-11 June 2025, will be the lowest full Moon in the sky for nearly two decades: a phenomenon that won’t occur again until 2043.
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Why Strawberry Moon?
Each full Moon throughout the year is given a traditional name that reflects natural events or seasonal changes occurring at that time.
For instance, February’s full Moon is the Snow Moon, while July’s is the Buck Moon since it coincides with the period when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their antlers.
June’s full Moon is aptly named the Strawberry Moon as it aligns with the start of summer and the beginning of strawberry harvest season.
The term 'Strawberry Moon' is believed to have originated from Native American culture, especially the Algonquin tribe, who used it to signal the start of wild strawberry picking in the northeastern United States.
However, don’t expect the Strawberry Moon to appear pink or red like a strawberry!
These full Moon names are simply traditional labels and don’t relate to the Moon’s appearance.
That said, this particular full Moon rises low in the sky, and when the Moon is near the horizon, it can sometimes look orange or reddish.
This coloration isn’t connected to the 'Strawberry' name, but rather results from the way light is scattered as it passes through the denser layers of our atmosphere.
Why this Strawberry Moon is so low
The low position of the 2025 Strawberry Moon is due an event called the 'major lunar standstill' or 'lunistice', as UK archaeologist and historian Jennifer Wexler explains:
"Over the course of a year, the Sun follows a fixed cycle of changing positions in the sky.
"However, the Moon’s cycle is much more rapid. Our view of the Moon varies over a period of 29.5 days as it changes from a thin white crescent to a full disc and back again to a thin crescent, until disappearing for three days.
"Meanwhile, moonrise and moonset move from their northernmost to southernmost limits and back again in just 27 days.
"Through its phases, the Moon acts as timekeeper for societies around the globe, past and present. But the Moon also has a further cycle that is far longer.
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"Over several years, the limits of moonrise and moonset themselves gradually change, until they reach the point where the northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset positions are at their maximum distance apart on the horizon.
"This two-year period is what is known as a major lunar standstill, or lunistice, and it only occurs every 18.6 years.
"Once a major standstill is reached, the distance between northernmost and southernmost moonrise and moonset can be exceptionally far apart, and it stays that way for around two years."
The major lunar standstill is a slow-moving cycle.
After 2025, the Moon’s path will gradually shift, and it won’t reach such an extreme low again until the next standstill in 2043.
This makes the 2025 Strawberry Moon a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see this lowest full Moon.
Tips for enjoying the low Strawberry Moon
Find the right location
Choose a spot with a clear, unobstructed view of the southeast horizon. Hills, open fields or coastlines are ideal.
Tall buildings and trees are likely to hamper your view, but a few may add to the visual spectacle, provided they aren't blocking the Moon completely.
Get your timing right
The Moon will rise just after sunset on June 10 and reach its peak brightness in the early hours of June 11.
Use a moonrise calculator like the one provided by Time and Date to find the exact time for your location.
Bring the right gear – or none at all!
Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, but a full Moon is one of those astronomical spectacles probably best enjoyed with the naked eye.
A warm drink, a deckchair and some good company are really all you need.
Photograph the Strawberry Moon
A low Moon will look enormous due to an effect known as the 'Moon illusion', and it may also look orange.
See if you can capture both of these phenomena. For more info, read our guides on photographing a full Moon, photographing the Moon illusion and photographing the Moon with a smartphone camera.
Enjoy the moment
It's easy to get distracted by the prospect of photographing the Moon or observing through your binoculars.
A full Moon is one of the most arresting sights in nature, and beautiful when just enjoyed with the naked eye.
Remember to take time to simply breathe in that lunar wonder!
If you observe or photograph the low-lying Strawberry Moon of 2025, get in touch by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
