article_detail

Skywatchers across Spain will have one more reason to look up before June comes to an end, with the arrival of the year's Strawberry Moon.

 

The full moon will reach its peak during the early hours of Tuesday June 30, appearing at its fullest at 1.56am according to calculations from Spain's National Geographic Institute.

 

Although full moons occur every month, June's has a special reputation thanks to its position in the sky and the time of year it appears. Coming shortly after the summer solstice, it rises lower above the horizon than many other full moons, often taking on a warm orange glow that can make it particularly impressive to watch.

 

That low position can also create an optical illusion that makes the moon appear larger than usual, especially when it is first rising.

 

Despite the name, the Strawberry Moon is not actually pink or red. The term comes from Native American traditions, where the June full moon marked the time of year when wild strawberries were ready to be harvested. The moon acted as a natural calendar, helping communities track the changing seasons.

 

Elsewhere, different cultures have given June's full moon other names. In parts of Europe it has traditionally been known as the Honey Moon or Hot Moon, reflecting both the warmer weather and increased activity among bees during the early summer months.

 

For those hoping to get the best view, experts recommend heading away from towns and built-up areas where possible. Darker locations with little light pollution offer the clearest views, particularly in places with an open outlook towards the eastern or south-eastern horizon where the moon will rise.

 

June also brings the summer solstice, which this year falls on Sunday June 21 at 10.24am. The event marks the start of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere and brings the longest day and shortest night of the year.

 

With warm evenings and generally clear skies across much of Spain, the end of June could provide ideal conditions for enjoying one of the most photographed full moons of the year.

 

Image: Pixabay