Rare Celestial Event Sets Stage for Bright Summer Nights in North State Counties

The Northern California region, encompassing counties like Shasta and Siskiyou, is set to experience an extraordinary celestial event following the summer solstice on Friday, June 21, as reported by the Redding Record Searchlight.

Shortly after dusk on this day, the full «strawberry» moon will grace the skies over Redding, appearing around 9 p.m. and reaching its peak just after midnight in Northern California. This astronomical phenomenon will be a sight to behold for sky gazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

Traditionally known as the strawberry moon, June’s full moon derives its name from the Native American tribes such as Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota, who used it to signal the time for harvesting June-bearing strawberries in the northeastern United States. This cultural connection adds a layer of historical significance to this natural spectacle.

The occurrence of the full moon in close proximity to the summer solstice amplifies its visual impact, making it appear larger and potentially showcasing hues as it hangs low on the horizon. This astronomical phenomenon, known as the moon illusion, is a fascinating trick of perception that captivates observers.

Notably, NASA predicts that the full moon in June 2024 will be the lowest in the year, enhancing the perception of its size. This unique positioning of the moon provides a rare opportunity for sky watchers to witness a spectacular lunar display.

Looking ahead, the summer skies over North State regions will offer more celestial events to anticipate. From the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower to the Perseids Meteor Shower, along with prime viewing times for Saturn and a partial lunar eclipse, astronomy enthusiasts will have plenty to look forward to in the coming months.