A strawberry moon occurs when the full moon coincides with or is very close to perigee, making the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky. This guide explains how these events align, what influences them, and how you can plan ahead to observe or photograph the phenomenon.
Below is a structured summary that captures key patterns for forecasting strawberry moons through 2027, including their date, exact full moon time, perigee timing, and apparent size compared with average full moons.
| Year | Full Moon Date | Full Moon Time (UTC) | Perigee Within 24 Hours | Apparent Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 22 | 18:32 | Yes, June 20 | 33.5 arcmin |
| 2025 | June 11 | 15:10 | No | 33.2 arcmin |
| 2026 | June 01 | 11:42 | Yes, May 31 | 33.4 arcmin |
| 2027 | May 21 | 09:17 | No | 33.1 arcmin |
What Makes a Moon a Strawberry Moon
The term strawberry moon refers to the full moon that occurs closest to the June solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Indigenous and colonial traditions named this moon after the short strawberry harvest season, and the name has persisted in modern astronomy calendars.
Technically, any full moon can become a strawberry moon if it falls within roughly one day of perigee while occurring near the June solstice. The label is not official but is widely used by observatories, media, and sky watchers to highlight this visually impressive full moon.
How to Predict the Next Strawberry Moon
To predict a strawberry moon, first identify the date of the June solstice for a given year. Then locate the full moon that occurs closest to that solstice, and check whether perigee is within about 24 hours. When these conditions align, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a micromoon full moon.
Online moon calendars, astronomy software, and APIs that provide lunar phases and lunar distance make it straightforward to generate a strawberry moon forecast years in advance. These tools combine celestial mechanics with calendar rules to deliver reliable timing for planning observation sessions or photography shoots.
Visual Characteristics and Observability
During a strawberry moon, the apparent diameter can increase noticeably, and the moon may rise earlier in the evening around the solstice, providing more observing time after sunset. Clear horizons and minimal light pollution enhance the experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the size difference compared with other full moons.
You do not need special equipment to enjoy a strawberry moon, but binoculars or a small telescope can reveal subtle features along the limb. Photographers can experiment with wide-angle shots that include landmarks, using longer focal lengths to capture detailed close-ups of the illuminated surface.
Celestial Mechanics Behind the Phenomenon
The strawberry moon results from the interplay between the synodic month, which governs the phases of the moon, and the anomalistic month, which governs changes in distance due to the elliptical orbit. Because these cycles do not align perfectly, perigee full moons occur at varying points through the year, sometimes near solstice and sometimes far from it.
When the June full moon lands close to perigee, the moon also tends to ride low across the sky in the northern mid-latitudes, which can create dramatic atmospheric effects near the horizon. Understanding this combination of orbital mechanics and seasonal timing helps both casual observers and educators explain the event to others.
Key Takeaways for Sky Watchers and Enthusiasts
- The strawberry moon is defined by its proximity to both the June solstice and lunar perigee.
- Not every year features a dramatic perigee full moon near the solstice, so check annual forecasts.
- Visual impact is greatest when the moon is low on the horizon, enhancing size perception and atmospheric color.
- Planning ahead using reliable astronomy tools improves your chances of clear skies and optimal viewing conditions.
- Photographers can leverage longer focal lengths and exposure bracketing to capture detail and scale.
FAQ
Reader questions
How often does a strawberry moon happen in a single decade?
In most decades, there are six to eight strawberry moons, because the alignment of the full moon near perigee and the June solstice occurs on a recurring but non-annual schedule.
Can a strawberry moon ever occur in July in the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes, in the Southern Hemisphere the equivalent seasonal full moon can occur in early July, and some sky watchers use the term strawberry moon loosely for any perigee full moon that falls close to the June solstice in local seasonal terms.
Does a strawberry moon always look noticeably larger than other full moons?
It usually looks larger than average full moons, but the difference is subtle and can be hard to notice without a reference photograph or prior observation experience.
What is the best way to photograph a strawberry moon near the horizon?
Use a telephoto lens, shoot shortly after moonrise when the moon is still low, bracket exposure settings, and include foreground elements to create a sense of scale and drama in your images.