This past weekend, sky watchers and astrophotography enthusiasts were treated to the mesmerizing sight of the “Strawberry Moon,” the full Moon for the month of June. The celestial event, which peaked on Saturday night, provided a stunning display as it cast a warm, golden hue across the night sky.
The term “Strawberry Moon” originates from Native American tribes, who named it to mark the ripening of strawberries, which typically occurs around this time of year. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the moon doesn’t appear pink or red like a strawberry. Instead, it often takes on a slightly rosy or amber color due to its low position in the sky during this time of year.
The Strawberry Moon arrived just one day after the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere which led to some calling it the Strawberry Solstice Moon.
New York City-based photographers Dan Martland and Gary Hershorn were out capturing the Moon set next to the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks. Martland put a very long lens to use to make the Strawberry Moon look extra large behind Manhattan’s skyline.
A day earlier, Martland had captured an almost full strawberry Moon behind the Chrysler Building and One Vanderbilt.
Meanwhile, Hershorn captured the Strawberry Moon rising behind the Statue of Liberty as well as a wider shot of people enjoying the celestial show in New Jersey.
Well-known astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy put together an HDR composite photo of the Strawberry Moon using a 1000mm telephoto lens attached to a DSLR.
The Strawberry Moon is not just a visual treat but also holds astronomical significance: It is the last full Moon of the spring season or the first of summer, depending on the timing of the solstice. This year, it marked the first full Moon of summer, which officially began on June 21.
Here are a few fantastic shots PetaPixel spotted on social media.
This is an 8-photograph composite of the Strawberry Moon rising above the Fort Worth skyline yesterday evening. #FortWorth #Texas #moon #fullmoon #strawberrymoon #dfwwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/CKqNeK0TQv
— Matt Lantz (@mattlantz) June 23, 2024
🌕 July’s #supermoon lit up the sky around the globe.
This full moon orbits closer to the #Earth than many other full moons this year.
July’s full “#BuckMoon” happens when the #Moon is within 10% of its closest point to Earth in its orbit and also in its full Moon phase 👇 pic.twitter.com/7VT7BFxrT2
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) July 4, 2023
Cape Spear Newfoundland, Strawberry Moon last night!#Newfoundland #canada pic.twitter.com/NfAHL7PB7T
— Ray Mackey Photo (@RayMackeyNL) June 21, 2024
For those who missed the Strawberry Moon, there is no need for disappointment. The next full Moon, known as the “Buck Moon,” will rise on July 21. It gets its name from the time of year when new antlers emerge on buck deer. This event promises another opportunity to witness the beauty of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.