Full Moon in June 2021: Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Full Moon — the first Full Moon after the June solstice — will happen on June 24, 2021. Find out what a Strawberry Moon is and when to see it!
What is a Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon, typically the first or last Full Moon of a season, marks the strawberry picking season in North America.
The thing is, each Full Moon has its name. These names usually have nothing to do with our natural satellite’s actual color, like the Pink Moon. Instead, ancient cultures have named Full Moons based on the behavior of the plants, animals, or weather during a particular month — and we still keep using these names.
June’s Full Moon alternative names are the Rose Moon, which denotes the harvesting of roses in Europe, and the Hot Moon, because it comes with the beginning of hot summer weather in the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the Strawberry Moon in 2021?
In 2021, the Full Strawberry Moon will occur on June 24, at 2:39 p.m. EDT (18:39 GMT). Astronomically speaking, the Moon reaches its full phase when it lies opposite the Sun in ecliptic longitude. In other words, when the Moon-Sun elongation is 180°. Track the Moon’s path in the Star Walk 2 app and see our natural satellite’s position in the sky during a full phase.
In reality, you’ll have a chance to observe the Full Moon much longer — it will appear “full” for several days, especially to the naked eye.
Interesting fact
The Strawberry Full Moon will mimic the December solstice Sun because this Full Moon takes place around the June solstice. What does it mean?
The Moon will stay relatively low above the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere — the same as the Sun there during the December solstice. North of the Arctic Circle, the Moon won’t rise above the horizon at all. And vice versa, in the Southern Hemisphere, you can see the Moon high in the sky; South of the Antarctic Circle, it will be in the sky 24 hours.
The first Full Moon of the season
Usually, there are three Full Moons in one astronomical season — a period between a solstice and an equinox (or vice versa). But sometimes, there happen to be four Full Moons in a season. Here is how it looks like in 2021:
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Solstice on June 21
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Full Strawberry Moon on June 24
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Full Buck Moon on July 24
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Full Sturgeon Moon on August 22
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Full Harvest Moon on September 20
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Equinox on September 22
The third of four Full Moons in one season is called the Blue Moon — in 2021, it will be the August Full Moon. Such an extra Full Moon occurs every two and a half years or so, and the next time it will take place in 2023.
Now when you know what a Strawberry Moon is and where Full Moons take their names in general, it’s time to try our fun and educational quiz about the Moon’s colors and test your upgraded astronomical knowledge. If you have ideas and suggestions for our future quizzes, let us know on social media.
Wishing you clear skies and happy observations!
