Stargazers, prepare for a celestial treat — the full Strawberry Moon is about to rise, and it’s set to break records. Not only is it the last full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, but it will also be the lowest full moon of the year, hanging unusually close to the horizon. Adding to its rarity, this moon will also be one of the farthest from the sun in 2025.
The moon reaches its full phase at 3:45 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 11, but your best chance to catch it will be the evening before, Tuesday, June 10, just after sunset. As it rises in the southeast during twilight, look up and to the right of the moon to spot Antares, a bright red star in the constellation Scorpius, located 550 light-years away.
Why is June’s moon so low in the sky? It all comes down to timing. Since the moon is always opposite the sun when full, it reflects the sun’s position in the sky. With the summer solstice arriving on June 20, the sun will be at its highest — and in turn, the moon will be at its lowest. Expect it to glide low across the southern sky, never climbing too high above the horizon, before setting in the southwest around dawn.
This Strawberry Moon also marks a distant moment in space: with Earth nearing aphelion (its farthest point from the sun) on July 3, the moon — being on the opposite side of the sky — will be roughly 94,600 miles (152,200 kilometers) from the sun, making it one of the most remote full moons of the year.
The name “Strawberry Moon” comes from the time of year when wild strawberries ripen across parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Different cultures have also given this moon unique names: Native American traditions include Berries Ripen Moon, Hot Moon, and Green Corn Moon. English and Celtic folklore refer to it as the Flower Moon, Mead Moon, Horse Moon, and Rose Moon — all reflecting the natural abundance and beauty of early summer.
So mark your calendars — June’s Strawberry Moon isn’t just a stunning sight, it’s a rare moment of cosmic choreography you won’t want to miss.
