Rare Strawberry Moon and Summer Solstice Converge for Spectacular Lunar Display

On the weekend of June 21 and 22, sky gazers will be treated to a rare celestial event as the Strawberry Moon coincides with the summer solstice, resulting in a spectacular lunar display.

This year’s Strawberry Moon is expected to appear larger and brighter than usual, illuminated by the summer solstice, which hasn’t occurred in such proximity since the time of George Washington according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The alignment of the Strawberry Moon with the summer solstice means that the moon will be closer to the horizon, creating the illusion of a larger size known as the ‘Moon Illusion,’ a phenomenon predicted by The Old Farmers’ Almanac.

As the moon hovers near the horizon, viewers can expect vibrant colors ranging from yellow to red, a striking sight depending on the observer’s location around the world.

Contrary to its name, the Strawberry Moon refers simply to the full moon that graces the month of June, where two full moons occur, the Strawberry Moon is the second full moon.

With its roots in Native American culture, the Strawberry Moon is so named because it typically aligns with the strawberry harvest season, as observed by tribes like the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota.

The official full moon is scheduled for the evening of June 22, yet the spectacular lunar display will be visible throughout the weekend as the moon transitions from waxing gibbous to full, providing a captivating celestial show.

While the convergence of the Strawberry Moon and the summer solstice promises a mesmerizing experience, more lunar events await skywatchers in the upcoming months, with four supermoons anticipated in 2024 according to The Old Farmers’ Almanac.

Save the dates for the supermoons on Aug. 19, Sept. 18, Oct. 17, and Nov. 15, with the highlight being the super harvest moon on Sept. 18, coinciding with a penumbral lunar eclipse on the evening before, marking the last lunar eclipse until March 2025.