Look up tonight, as an enchanting celestial event unfolds with the rise of June’s full moon, affectionately dubbed the “Strawberry Moon.” This month’s full moon is especially significant as it will appear lower in the sky than any full moon has since 2006, a rare phenomenon resulting from a major lunar standstill.
The term “Strawberry Moon” finds its roots in Algonquian traditions, marking the fruit harvesting season that coincides with its appearance. The full moon reaches its peak phase at 3:44 a.m. EDT (0744 GMT) on June 11. However, for those eager to witness this cosmic spectacle, the moon will look fully illuminated as it rises above the southeastern horizon at sunset on June 10.
One fascinating aspect of the full moon is the optical illusion that occurs at moonrise. The lunar disk seems to grow larger when it is close to the horizon — a phenomenon aptly named the “moon illusion.” This visual trickery is caused by the way our brains perceive the size of objects in relation to the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, the moon is likely to don a lovely yellow-orange glow as it ascends, created by the scattering of shorter blue wavelengths of light by Earth’s atmosphere.
The allure of tonight’s Strawberry Moon is further heightened by understanding the orbital dynamic that makes it so unique. We find ourselves in the midst of a major lunar standstill, a phenomenon that occurs in 18.6-year cycles when the moon’s orbit is tilted at its greatest angle relative to the celestial equator. During such periods, the full moon rises and sets at extreme positions on the horizon and traverses the night sky in very high or low arcs.
This year’s Strawberry Moon occurs just prior to the summer solstice, meaning that, while the sun will soar high in the sky above us during the longest days of the year, the lunar disk will take a notably low trajectory across the night. This contrast adds a layer of intrigue to the viewing experience.
As the full Strawberry Moon graces us this month, it will be positioned at a seasonally low altitude, a situation further exacerbated by the ongoing major lunar standstill. This combination results in what is described as the lowest full moon in over a decade. The last major lunar standstill occurred in 2006, and we won’t have another one until 2043!
But what exactly is a lunar standstill? The sun travels across our sky along a line known as the ecliptic, which is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees relative to Earth’s celestial equator. Meanwhile, the moon’s orbit is tilted at about 5 degrees to the ecliptic. This specific inclination is the reason lunar eclipses do not occur every month when the new moon phase arrives.
The gravitational forces exerted by the sun cause the moon’s tilted orbit to gradually shift, leading to dramatic variations in how the moon appears from Earth. During a major lunar standstill, we observe these effects most vividly, as the full moon can rise much lower than average, creating an extraordinary visual display.
As we prepare to gaze at the Strawberry Moon, it invites a moment of reflection and wonder — a cosmic reminder of the profound beauty that exists beyond our immediate environment. It is a time for stargazers and nature lovers alike to step outside, breathe in the fresh night air, and appreciate the artistry of the universe.
Should you choose to capture this awe-inspiring moment, it’s a great opportunity for budding astrophotographers to engage in a little creativity. Many are encouraged to share their captured images with passionate communities online, inviting connections and discussions that transcend geographical boundaries.
Overall, the arrival of June’s Strawberry Moon, occurring amidst a significant major lunar standstill, serves as a perfect reminder of the rhythms of nature. It beckons us to take a moment from our busy lives to pause, reflect, and connect with the world around us. So, as the sun sets and the sky deepens into twilight, remember to look up, and let the magic of the full moon inspire you through the night.
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