You know what they say, folks: pink sky at night, shepherd’s London’s delight. Well, that’s what they’ll be saying this week anyway, as an incredibly rare ‘Strawberry Moon’ is set to illuminate the sky over the next few days. And we won’t be seeing another one quite like it until 2043. So, here’s everything you need to know.
What is a Strawberry Moon?
Although a Strawberry Moon can sometimes create a pinkish-red hue; its name actually had nothing to do with its colour. Native American tribes are said to have given each of the twelve full moons of the year a nickname to keep track of the changing seasons. And the full moon that takes place in June was named the ‘Strawberry Moon’ because it apparently signaled the best time to harvest strawberries. The fact that the Strawberry Moon set to take place this week will most likely give off a rosy tinge is sort of just a happy coincidence.
Why is this Strawberry Moon particularly special?
Whilst the June full moon is often the lowest of the year. This specific June full moon will be the lowest since 2006as this year’s Strawberry Moon coincides with the major lunar standstill that took place recently. As a result, the moon will appear very low in the sky tonight (June 10) and tomorrow (June 11) as it’s reached the most extreme points of its orbit around the Earth. This only happens approximately every 18.6 yearsand so this is a truly rare celestial phenomenon.
The particular Strawberry Moon will give off a rosy glow because of its proximity to the horizon. Its light will need to pass through a thicker layer of the Earth’s atmospherescattering shorter wavelengths of blue light as it does so, making the moon appear more red.
How to catch a glimpse of the Strawberry Moon this week
The Strawberry Moon should be visible across most of the Northern Hemisphere tonight (June 10). But, on the whole, the further north you are, the closer the moon will appear to the horizon. Londoners will have the best chance of seeing the Strawberry Moon just after sunset, as that is when the moon will appear as its largest. To get the best view possible of the Strawberry Moonhead to a high point that’s away from city lights and light pollution (easier said than done in London, I know).
