Strawberry Moon 2024: See summer's first full moon rise a day after solstice (2024)

Strawberry Moon 2024: See summer's first full moon rise a day after solstice (1)

Summer is about to kick off with a bright start. This month's full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, will be at its fullest on Friday, June 21 — one day after the summer solstice — and will shine in the constellation Sagittarius. The moon will also appear bright and full on Thursday (June 20) and Saturday (June 22).

The full moon's closeness to the date of the solstice, or the start of the astronomical summer, has a noticeable visual effect. Since a full moon sits opposite the sun relative to Earth, it mirrors the sun's position in the sky. In June — and particularly close to the solstice — the sun is at its highest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Its position at midday on the solstice, on June 20 this year, is the highest it ever gets. That makes the full moon the following day the lowest of the year.

It's also the farthest full moon from the sun of the year. That's because the Earth's slightly elliptical orbit of the sun takes it farthest away on July 5. That point is Earth's annual aphelion. Therefore, the closest full moon to that date must be the moon's annual aphelion.

Related: The 1st 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years is about to occur. Here's how to see it.

According to Timeanddate.com, the Strawberry Moon, which has Native American origins, gets its name from the wild strawberries that ripen this month. Other Native American names for June's full moon include the Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon and Hot Moon. Anishinaabeg, or Ojibwe, Indigenous people of the Great Lakes region know it as Waabigonii Giizis (Blooming Moon), according to the Center for Native American Studies.

The Celtic names for the June full moon are Horse Moon, Dyan Moon and Rose Moon, while other English names include Flower Moon, Planting Moon and Mead Moon.

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From North America, the best time to watch the full moon will be Friday, when it rises in the east very close to sunset. Check the moonrise and moonset times for your location, and find a place with a low view of the eastern horizon. The next full moon will be the "Buck Moon" on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

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If you're looking to get into skywatching and astronomy, we have plenty of guides to help you get started. If you want to view the night sky, our best binoculars for stargazing and best telescopes guides have you covered, while the best astrophotography cameras will let you capture those spectacular views for others to enjoy.

Jamie Carter

Live Science contributor

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist and regular Live Science contributor based in Cardiff, U.K. He is the author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners and lectures on astronomy and the natural world. Jamie regularly writes for Space.com, TechRadar.com, Forbes Science, BBC Wildlife magazine and Scientific American, and many others. He edits WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.

More about the moon

Space photo of the week: 'Earthrise,' the Christmas Eve image that changed the worldThe 1st 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years is about to occur. Here's how to see it.

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Strawberry Moon 2024: See summer's first full moon rise a day after solstice (2024)

FAQs

Strawberry Moon 2024: See summer's first full moon rise a day after solstice? ›

When can you see the strawberry full moon in 2024? The full moon will reach peak illumination in the United States on Friday, June 21, at 9:08 p.m., E.T., according to NASA. The moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, the agency said.

What's the best time to see the strawberry moon? ›

But don't be fooled by its name. The moon won't appear pink or red in color as it rises above the horizon on Friday night. The full moon will reach peak illumination at around 9 p.m. Eastern Time on June 21 and will appear full for about three days, from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, according to NASA.

Where is the best place to see the strawberry moon? ›

The full moon is best viewed from North America on Friday when it rises in the east just before dusk. Choose a spot where you can get a low view of the eastern horizon after checking the moonrise and moonset times for your location.

What is special about the strawberry moon? ›

Tribes in the northeastern US, including the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota tribes refer to it as the strawberry moon because it appears around the same time that strawberries ripen and are ready to be gathered.

What is the full moon in June 2024? ›

The phases of the Moon in June 2024

The images below show the day-by-day phases of the Moon In June. The Full Moon in June was at 6:17 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

What time does the Strawberry Moon show? ›

When is strawberry moon 2024. The full Moon is expected at 9:08pm EDT, Friday, June 21 and will appear opposite the sun, according to NASA.

What does the Strawberry Moon mean in 2024 spiritually? ›

This year's strawberry moon is set to rise on June 21, 2024 in Capricorn, the tenth zodiac sign. As Capricorn is associated with hard work, ambition, and discipline, this particular full moon is said to be a time for focusing on career and personal aspirations.

Where can you see the strawberry moon in 2024? ›

June's Full Moon is also called the Strawberry Moon, and you can catch it rising opposite the Sun, peeking over the eastern horizon less than half an hour after the Sun sets in the west.

What time is the peak of the Strawberry Moon? ›

When can you see the strawberry full moon in 2024? The full moon will reach peak illumination in the United States on Friday, June 21, at 9:08 p.m., E.T., according to NASA.

How to view Strawberry Moon? ›

For optimal viewing, Dyches recommends looking when the moon is rising or setting to see the effects of the moon illusion. No equipment is needed to view a full moon, but a telescope or pair of binoculars could enhance its features, according to NASA's Moon Viewing Guide.

What does the strawberry full moon mean spiritually? ›

“The moon is pushing you to open your mind and spirit to new horizons…A few possible shifts could be laid at your feet: a culmination to a long-distance travelling plan, overseas relationship or international business endeavor, or even a sudden decision to relocate or immigrate,” said Thomas.

What does the pink moon mean in 2024 spiritually? ›

This powerful full moon lunar event promises to deliver a potent dose of transformation, spiritual growth, and sensual pleasure as we celebrate the arrival of spring. The pink moon is a time to shed old skin and emerge as a more empowered and authentic version of yourself.

How long does a strawberry moon last? ›

The start of summer is bringing a full moon along with it. Astronomy fans can look up and see the Strawberry Moon from Thursday night through Sunday morning as June's full moon rises.

How many super moons are there in 2024? ›

There are four supermoons in 2024, the next one occurring on 19 August. Thereafter, 2024's supermoons occur on 18 September, 17 October and 15 November.

Are there any blue moons in 2024? ›

When is the next Blue Moon? The next Blue Moon will occur on Aug. 19, 2024, at 2:26 p.m. ET (1826 GMT). There are two types of Blue Moons but unfortunately, neither has anything to do with color.

Where to look for the strawberry moon tonight? ›

The Strawberry Moon may briefly appear larger than normal due to its low angle on the horizon. Rest assured, it's not actually closer, it's just an illusion. Those wanting to take a peek at the full moon should look to the southeast shortly after sunset, which is 8:36 p.m. this evening in 5COUTNRY.

Where in the sky is the strawberry moon? ›

June's Full Moon is also called the Strawberry Moon, and you can catch it rising opposite the Sun, peeking over the eastern horizon less than half an hour after the Sun sets in the west.

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