By Darren Shields, Senior Correspondent
On the night of June 9, 2025, skywatchers across the United States were treated to a breathtaking celestial event as the ‘Strawberry Moon’ rose in the southeastern sky. This year’s June full moon was especially notable for its low trajectory, a phenomenon not seen in decades, offering a unique visual spectacle for observers nationwide.
The ‘Strawberry Moon,’ named by Native American tribes to mark the ripening of wild strawberries, reached its peak illumination at 3:43 a.m. Eastern Time on June 10. Due to a rare lunar standstill—an astronomical event occurring every 18.6 years—the moon appeared unusually low in the sky. This positioning caused its light to pass through more of Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and amplifying the redder tones, creating a rich, warm hue.
In cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, residents flocked to open spaces and rooftops to capture the moonrise, which occurred at 8:26 p.m., 8:32 p.m., and 8:05 p.m. local time, respectively. The clear skies across much of the country provided optimal viewing conditions, enhancing the moon’s vibrant coloration and seemingly larger-than-life appearance on the horizon.
Photographers and astronomy enthusiasts took to social media in droves, sharing images and videos of the dazzling lunar display. The full moon appeared particularly large and vivid due to the ‘moon illusion,’ an optical phenomenon where the moon looks bigger when it is near the horizon.
Dr. Emily Harper, an astronomer with the National Space Institute, elaborated on the science behind the spectacle. “The lunar standstill causes the moon’s orbital path to tilt more dramatically, making it rise and set at the lowest points on the horizon. As it hugs the Earth’s atmosphere, the increased distance the light must travel results in a rich, amber-red glow.”
This visual feast also had a deeper cultural resonance. For centuries, full moons in June have held significance across various civilizations. Farmers in Europe referred to it as the ‘Honey Moon’ due to the tradition of harvesting honey during this month, while in Asia, it is sometimes celebrated as part of summer solstice festivals.
Many communities hosted moon-viewing events, blending ancient traditions with modern enthusiasm. In Central Park, hundreds gathered for an impromptu “Moonlight Picnic,” complete with telescopes and guided talks by amateur astronomers. Meanwhile, in Arizona, tribal elders held a traditional storytelling circle to honor the moon’s importance in seasonal cycles.
Children were particularly captivated by the event. In elementary schools across the country, teachers used the occasion to launch impromptu science lessons on lunar cycles and Earth’s atmosphere, turning a night-time event into a moment of educational wonder.
June 2025 continues to offer additional cosmic highlights. On June 21, stargazers can expect to see a crescent moon near Venus, creating another picturesque evening display. Later in the month, an “earthshine moon” will be visible, where sunlight reflects off the Earth to faintly illuminate the moon’s dark side, adding depth and dimension to its appearance.
The next opportunity to witness a lunar standstill of this nature won’t come again until 2044, making this year’s ‘Strawberry Moon’ a once-in-a-generation experience. For many, the event was more than just a stunning photo opportunity; it served as a reminder of the universe’s grandeur and the timeless allure of the night sky.
