Strawberry Moon Shines During Major Lunar Standstill

Updated June 12,2025

The “Strawberry Moon” illuminated‍ the⁣ night sky,coinciding with a major lunar standstill.This rare celestial event caused the‌ full moon to appear lower than it has ‍in nearly two ⁤decades.

The June full moon is traditionally called the Strawberry moon as it⁣ corresponds with the ripening ‌of wild strawberries in ⁣the Northern ‌Hemisphere. However, this year’s Strawberry Moon was particularly unique due to the major lunar standstill, also known as a lunistice.

A major lunar standstill occurs when the ​Earth and moon’s ⁤tilts are at their maximum, causing the moon to rise and set at extreme positions on ⁤the ⁢horizon. on Tuesday night, the moon reached its most southerly​ position‌ on the eastern horizon.The last time the moon appeared this low⁢ was in 2006.

The Strawberry⁤ Moon rising over the Torre del Serpe in Otranto, Italy.
(Image credit: Manuel Romano/nurphoto via Getty Images)

Skywatchers around the world captured stunning images of⁣ the Strawberry⁢ Moon. While the name suggests a reddish hue, the Strawberry Moon doesn’t typically display a different color, unlike a blood moon.

The full Strawberry Moon rises over the Centenario stadium in Uruguay.
(Image credit: EITAN ⁤ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images)

In Uruguay,a photographer captured the moon over the centenario Stadium in Montevideo before a soccer game between Uruguay and Venezuela.

Why is it called the ⁣Strawberry ​moon?

The⁤ name “Strawberry Moon” originates from the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern U.S. Other ⁣Native American names include⁤ the Berries⁤ Ripen Moon, ​Green Corn Moon, Hot Moon,⁣ and Blooming Moon.

This Strawberry Moon‌ occurred during the second year of a major lunar standstill,a phenomenon that happens every 18.6 years and lasts for two years. The previous major lunar standstill was ⁤in 2006, and the next will be in 2043.