Across the globe, skies were serenely illuminated on June 10–11 as the full Strawberry Moon ascended. This June lunar spectacle, named centuries ago by Algonquin and other Native American tribes marking the wild strawberry harvest, recently aligned with a once-in-an-18.6-years event, creating a stunning show for moon-watchers worldwide.
Around the World
Greece welcomed the lunar event Tuesday evening, with nightwatchers catching the stunning spectacle of the moon lighting up monuments such as the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio.
Σούνιο, μία ημέρα πρίν τη Πανσέληνο του Ιουνίου. Τρίτη 10 Ιουνίου 2025 (ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΚΟΝΤΑΡΙΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
In regions like the UK, the moon reached full brightness on June 11 at around 8:44 a.m. BST, meaning many Europeans captured it in the morning sky.
People watch the full moon known as the Strawberry Moon rise, as seen from Hampstead Heath, in London, Britain, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
In the U.S., the moon reached peak illumination early Wednesday at 3:44 a.m. ET. Evening skywatchers were treated to impressive moonrises on June 10—around 8:26 p.m. in New York and 8:05 p.m. in Los Angeles.
Observers there got the fullest view of the moonrise on June 11 around 6:44 p.m. local time, with peak brightness following soon after.
This lunar phase passed through Ophiuchus/Sagittarius. It also nearly occulted Antares, the bright red star in Scorpius, giving skywatchers a chance to spot the pair dancing across the southern sky.
A full moon known as the Strawberry Moon rises behind the steeple of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral and the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
Why the 2025 Strawberry Moon Is Extra Special
Lowest Full Moon Since 2006
Astronomers noted 2025’s Strawberry Moon was the lowest rising full moon since 2006 due to a major lunar standstill—a phenomenon caused by the moon’s 18.6-year orbital cycle. This meant its path hugged the horizon more closely than usual, enhancing its dramatic appearance.
People watch the rising “Strawberry Moon” from Areopagus Hill in Athens, Greece, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Earth’s Atmosphere Gives It a Golden Hue
That near-horizon position means its light traveled through thicker portions of Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter (blue) wavelengths and leaving warm reds and golds—akin to dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
The strawberry moon rises behind a tower at a marina in southeast resort of Ayia Napa in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Size Illusion – “Moon Illusion”
Human perception painted the moon as larger than usual thanks to the “Moon illusion.” When low on the horizon, the moon appears massive in comparison to nearby terrestrial landmark, a trick of perspective.
