June’s full moon comes with sweet name & rare view for GA. Here’s why
Georgia skywatchers are in for a treat this month as the Strawberry Moon makes its annual appearance.
According to Time and Date, this year, the full moon reaches its peak brightness at 3:44 a.m. EDT on June 11, but the best viewing begins at moonrise on Tuesday, June 10, when it will rise low in the southeastern sky, casting a warm amber glow.
Why is it called a Strawberry Moon?
Despite the name, the Strawberry Moon won’t appear pink or red. The term, says the Almanac, comes from Native People traditions, specifically the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Sioux, and Lakota tribes.
It’s named after the wild strawberries that ripen during this time of year, and a nod to the the longstanding practice of marking time and celebrating nature’s cycles based on what’s happening in the environment,
How can I get the best view?
Expect the moon to rise with dusk on June 10, generally between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
This year’s lunar standstill means the moon will sit especially low on the horizon, which is a rare visual effect that won’t occur again until 2043.
The low angle causes the moonlight to pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere, giving it that distinctive amber hue.
Here are some tips, from NASA, for getting the best look:
Get out of town: For the clearest sight, head to a less developed area.
Have the right gear: Bring binoculars or a smartphone mount: You may even catch a glimpse of Venus or Jupiter nearby.
Head to higher ground: This offers a better view of the horizon as the moon rises.
Time it just right: Moonrise is the best moment for photo ops and ambiance.
Check the weather: Accuweather is predicting “mostly sunny and pleasant” but there’s always a chance of afternoon showers this time of year.
What’s special about a Strawberry Moon?
This Strawberry Moon is notable, says EarthSky, for being the lowest full moon in Georgia’s sky until 2043, and also marks the last full moon of spring.
The Strawberry Moon also is a sign of the coming summer, so find a good spot to gaze at the moon and send me any pictures you can get. Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM with the headline "June’s full moon comes with sweet name & rare view for GA. Here’s why."
