Tonight, Monday, June 29, the night sky will be lit up by the June full moon, the first full moon of summer, also known as the Strawberry Moon.
The full moon will reach its peak in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 30, but it will be fully round and bright in the sky starting Monday evening.
The Lunar Illusion
The June full moon sets itself apart from the others throughout the year, at least for the Northern Hemisphere, because it sits very low on the horizon.
This particular condition is what gives rise to the optical phenomenon known as the Lunar Illusion. In this case, the full moon appears larger than it does when it sits high in the sky. Of course, the size of the full moon is always the same and never changes, but the visual impression it creates, due to its position, is that of a moon bigger than the ones we typically enjoy.
The Color of the June Full Moon
Despite its thoroughly summery and “sweet” name, the Strawberry Moon does not usually take on a vivid pink or red hue. That said, when it sits low on the horizon, it can sometimes appear slightly reddish or amber due to the atmosphere.
Where the Name “Strawberry Moon” Comes From
The name for the June full moon originates with the Algonquin peoples of North America. For them, this full moon marked the ideal time to harvest wild strawberries, which ripened right in the middle of June.
What the June Full Moon Is Called in Europe
Other names for the June full moon in Europe include the “Honey Moon” or “Mead Moon,” because that period coincided with the honey harvest. It is also sometimes called the “Rose Moon.”
