Experience June’s Strawberry Moon: A Stunning Low-Hanging Spectacle for Skywatchers (Photos Inside!)

Last night, June’s full ‘Strawberry Moon’ dazzled stargazers, appearing lower in the sky than it has in 18 years. This special sight is due to a rare occurrence called “major lunar standstill.” During this event, the moon’s orbit is tilted at an extreme angle compared to our planet, resulting in it rising and setting further to the north or south.

This year’s Strawberry Moon coincided with the southern solstice, making it particularly low in the sky. The name comes from the Algonquian people, who associated it with the short strawberry picking season that happens around this time.

Astrophotography enthusiasts globally shared incredible images of the moon. For instance, Marwella Zhang captured the moon from Indonesia, overcoming haze from a nearby storm. She said, “After sunset, I noticed it was clearer as the night progressed, and I got a great shot.”

In New York, Gary Hershorn took stunning photos of the Strawberry Moon framed by the Empire State Building, creating a beautiful blend of city lights and moonlight. He described the scene as magical, with the sun’s reflection enhancing the moon’s glow.

As the moon continued to rise, other photographers captured unique perspectives. Kristin Louise Raught snapped a captivating shot of the moon over Mt. Rainier in Washington, including a ferry in the frame to add extra detail to the image.

In Halabja, Iraq, a poignant silhouette of a violinist against the moon created a striking scene, showcasing how art and nature can intertwine beautifully. Another photographer in Turkey caught a commercial airline silhouetted against the moon’s surface, emphasizing the stark contrast between human-made and natural beauty.

Social media was abuzz with photos and reactions. User @VeronicaJoPo shared an enchanting image of the moon rising over Ely Cathedral in the UK, highlighting the moon’s shy appearance veiled by horizon haze. This reflection of community excitement shows how celestial events can unite people across distances through shared wonder.

Upcoming nights will still showcase the Strawberry Moon, which will appear almost full as it transitions into a waning gibbous. So keep looking up; you might be able to catch another glimpse of this beautiful phenomenon!

For more details on lunar events, check the NASA website.

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