The 2025 Strawberry Moon Will Dazzle the Night Sky—Why This Year’s Spectacle Is Extra Special
See the full Strawberry Moon at its stunning peak this June—discover the best times to look up and unlock lunar photography tips.
Quick Facts
- Date: June 11, 2025 (peak visibility at 3:44 a.m. EDT)
- Best Viewing: Shortly after sunset, June 10
- Nickname Origin: Named for strawberry harvest season
- Rarity: Lowest rising full moon in decades
Mark your calendar and set your alarms—this June, the full “Strawberry Moon” will take center stage in the celestial theater, offering skywatchers an unmissable show. For 2025, astronomers and night-sky enthusiasts are buzzing about a particularly striking lunar display, with the full moon riding lower across the horizon than it has in decades.
The spectacle unfolds just before dawn on June 11, but the real magic happens at moonrise on June 10. As the sun dips below the horizon, moon gazers across the U.S. and around the globe will watch Earth’s glowing satellite climb above the southeastern skyline. It’s not just a treat for stargazers—photographers everywhere, take note: this is your golden hour for that perfect moonshot.
What Is the “Strawberry Moon”—And Will It Really Be Pink?
Despite its appetizing name, the Strawberry Moon won’t actually look berry-hued. The term comes from the Algonquian tribes of North America, who marked the brief strawberry harvesting window each June by this luminous lunar event, as detailed by the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Cultures worldwide celebrate this moon—others call it the Blooming Moon, Birth Moon, or Green Corn Moon.
Still, don’t be surprised if the moon glows with a magical yellow or fiery orange hue when low on the horizon. Our atmosphere scatters light, creating the illusion of a “colored” moon. This effect, coupled with the famous “moon illusion”—when the moon appears far larger as it hugs the horizon—makes for a breathtaking sight.
When and Where Is the Best Time to See the Strawberry Moon in 2025?
The full moon officially peaks at 3:44 a.m. EDT (0744 GMT) on June 11 for those in New York, but wherever you are on Earth, check your exact moonrise time at trusted sites like TimeandDate.com. Across the Americas, the best view will come just after sunset on June 10.
Keep your eyes to the southeast as darkness falls. This year’s moon will hover particularly low, appearing exceptionally large—a rare alignment brought on by the moon’s unique tilt and its orbit’s tug-of-war with the sun’s gravity. It’s the Strawberry Moon’s lowest ascent in decades, say sources like EarthSky and space experts worldwide.
Why Does the Moon Look So Huge and Colorful at Moonrise?
Science calls it the “moon illusion.” When the moon is close to the horizon, our brains compare it to distant terrestrial objects, making it look massive—a prime target for dramatic photos. Plus, as the moon climbs, light filters through atmospheric layers, often giving the lunar disk those gorgeous warm tones.
How Can I Capture the Perfect Moonrise Photo?
- Find an unobstructed view facing southeast—think open fields, city skylines, or mountain vistas.
- Set up at least 15 minutes before your local moonrise. A tripod helps!
- Use a telephoto lens for close-ups, or include landmarks for scale.
- Experiment with smartphone night modes if you’re snapping with your phone.
Strawberry Moon FAQs
Q: Will the moon really be pink or red?
A: No, but it may appear yellow, orange, or reddish near the horizon due to atmospheric scattering.
Q: Is this moon especially rare?
A: The Strawberry Moon happens every year in June, but in 2025 it rides exceptionally low, making it a visually rare treat.
Q: Are there any safety tips for moon watching?
A: Always choose safe, accessible locations and be mindful of nighttime wildlife or terrain.
For more on skywatching events, visit NASA and Space.com for latest updates.
How to Make the Most of This Year’s Strawberry Moon
- Pick your spot in advance and arrive early.
- Bring friends or family for a shared experience.
- Try time-lapse or video for unique perspectives.
- Share your best shots with online communities—some sites may even feature your photos!
Don’t just let the 2025 Strawberry Moon pass you by—look up, snap a photo, and make a memory under the year’s most enchanting lunar light. Happy skywatching!
Strawberry Moon Watcher’s Checklist
- ✔️ Check moonrise time in your area
- ✔️ Scout a clear southeastern horizon
- ✔️ Set up camera or smartphone early
- ✔️ Invite friends or family
- ✔️ Dress for the weather
- ✔️ Watch as the Strawberry Moon climbs—and don’t forget to make a wish!
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