June's rare low Strawberry Moon graces the skies

A celestial spectacle was observed

On June 11, skywatchers were treated to a stunning full moon, the lowest seen in the sky in 18 years. Known as the Strawberry Moon, it appeared unusually large and golden as it rose, captivating observers. This rare low position was due to a cosmic event called a major lunar standstill, creating a spectacle that will not be repeated until 2043.

The science behind the low-riding moon

The unusually low trajectory was due to the major lunar standstill, an 18.6-year cycle where the moon reaches its most extreme northern and southern rising and setting points on the horizon. This cycle stems from the slow precession, or wobble, of the moon's tilted orbital plane, influenced mainly by the sun's gravity.

While June full moons naturally appear lower in the Northern Hemisphere sky, the major lunar standstill of 2025 significantly amplified this effect, making the event particularly remarkable. This occurred because a full moon is opposite the sun; with the summer solstice sun high in the sky, the full moon mirrored the low arc of the winter sun, and the standstill pushed this to an extreme.

A golden hue and grand illusion

The Moon's low path created a striking "moon illusion," making it appear significantly larger when near the horizon. This is a psychological effect related to how our brains perceive objects against terrestrial landmarks.

Additionally, as its light traveled through more of Earth's atmosphere at such a low altitude, shorter blue wavelengths were scattered. This allowed longer, warmer wavelengths (yellows, oranges and reds) to dominate what reached the eye, giving the moon a distinct golden or reddish color. The name Strawberry Moon itself, however, does not refer to the moon's color.

Cultural roots: More than just a name

The name Strawberry Moon primarily originated from Native American tribes, such as the Algonquin, who used June's full moon to mark the short but vital strawberry harvesting season. Other cultures have names like Hot Moon or Rose Moon, which also reflect early summer conditions. These traditional names highlight a deep, historical connection between lunar cycles and life on Earth.

A once-in-a-generation cosmic alignment

The June 2025 Strawberry Moon, during the major lunar standstill, presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It was a chance to see the full moon at its lowest point in the sky for nearly 20 years, in a celestial display that beautifully blended scientific mechanics with natural wonder.

Looking ahead

While this alignment was rare, the next major lunar standstill will offer similar extreme lunar views in 2043. In the meantime, the sky continues its rhythmic display, with July's Buck Moon set to be the next full moon to grace the night sky.