Rising in the Southeast: TheStrawberry Moon Graces the Night Sky
On the Chapter of the Heavens, Wednesday, June 11th: The June Blush Moon Appears
Hey there! Get ready, night owls! The Strawberry Moon, our June full moon, is making an appearance this morning at 3:44 A.M. EDT. Here's what you can expect:
Early birds might catch a glimpse of the Moon setting in the southwest just before sunrise, while those out in the evening will witness the Full Moon rising again in the southeast not long after the Sun's dip. This cosmic dance is a result of the Full Moon's location opposite the Sun in our sky — it rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.
But wait! Don't let the name "Strawberry Moon" trick you into believing the Moon will turn a pretty pink. Native American tribes, such as the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Chippewa, Oneida, and Sioux, named it for the ripe strawberries common in June — a tasty treat in North America!
Additionally, the Full Moon will appear low in the southern sky tonight. We're heading towards the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun takes the spotlight high in the sky. Consequently, the Full Moon around this time tends to be the lowest we witness all year. At its peak tonight, the Moon will hover just off Sagittarius' Teapot spout in the south, clocking in at roughly 20° above the horizon from the mid-U.S. Of course, this may vary depending on your specific location.
Break of Dawn: 5:31 A.M.Dusk: 8:29 P.M.Moonrise: 9:27 P.M.Moonset: 5:16 A.M.Moon Phase: Full
The Strawberry Moon's Cultural and Astronomical Significance
Before we whip out our telescopes, let's dive into the history and cultural significance of the Strawberry Moon. This name is deeply rooted in traditions of several Native American tribes, who celebrated this time of year as the peak of their strawberry harvests. Native American tribes like the Creek, Shawnee, Haida, and more, have similarly named June's full moon after their regional berries, highlighting the connection between nature and the celestial bodies.
This naming practice is as old as early American cultural practices, with full moon names once used for tracking the seasons and agricultural activities. The Strawberry Moon is now a beloved event embodying both the breathtaking beauty of the full moon and the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities.
From a distant perspective, astronomers have noticed that the Strawberry Moon can appear larger due to its low position in the sky, sometimes taking on a golden or orange hue. This effect is more pronounced around the summer solstice.
So, grab your binoculars, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the stunning display of the Strawberry Moon against the vibrant backdrop of the night sky. Stay curious!
Look ahead to the sunrise, for the low-hanging Strawberry Moon may still be visible, setting in the southwest. In the evening, the golden or orange-hued Strawberry Moon will grace the southeast sky, making an appearance just after the sunset. This cosmic event is not just a spectacle of science, but also a celebration of traditional astronomy, reflecting the cultural practices of various Native American tribes.
