October 4, 2024

June’s Astronomical Spectacles: The Full Strawberry Moon and Summer Solstice

The term “Full Strawberry Moon” traces its roots back to the Algonquin people located in the northeastern part of the United States. Contrary to what the name may suggest, the “Strawberry Moon” does not refer to any modification in the color of the Moon. Rather, it aligns with the duration in June when strawberries would be maturing and prepared for harvest. This calling convention has actually withstood through many generations and is still widely acknowledged and utilized today.
June provides two key astronomical occasions: the Full Strawberry Moon on June 3, called after the strawberry harvest season, and the summer season solstice on June 21, marking the start of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter season in the Southern Hemisphere. These occasions have actually historically shaped calendars, customs, and farming practices.
Sky enthusiasts, begin summer season by experiencing 2 remarkable celestial occasions in June– the Full Strawberry Moon and the summer season solstice. These events hold both historic and cultural significance.
The Moon increases as a Metrorail automobile crosses the Potomac River in Washington D.C. on July 16, 2019– 50 years to the day after astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin launched on Apollo 11, the first mission to land astronauts on the Moon. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The Full Strawberry Moon, depending upon ones time zone, will brighten the night sky on June 3. The precise moment of complete moon happens when the Moon is opposite the Earth from the Sun, its full look will extend for about a day in the past and after the event. Keep in mind to bring field glasses or a telescope to see all of the details of the Moons craters and other lunar features.

The term “Full Strawberry Moon” traces its roots back to the Algonquin people located in the northeastern part of the United States. Contrary to what the name might recommend, the “Strawberry Moon” does not refer to any modification in the color of the Moon. The Full Strawberry Moon, depending on ones time zone, will brighten the night sky on June 3. The precise moment of complete moon takes place when the Moon is opposite the Earth from the Sun, its complete look will extend for about a day in the past and after the event. The name “Full Strawberry Moon” stemmed from the Algonquin people in the northeastern United States.

The name “Full Strawberry Moon” originated from the Algonquin tribes in the northeastern United States. This full moon occurred during the month of June when strawberries were all set and ripening to be harvested. The name “Strawberry Moon” has been given through generations and continues to be used by many today.
Diagram of the Earths alignment with the Sun for the June and December solstices. Credit: NASA
Later on in the month on June 21, the summertime solstice will mark the beginning of the huge summertime and the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, and the start of winter season and the fastest day in the Southern Hemisphere. This modification in season is due to the 23.5-degree tilt of the Earths axis compared to its orbit around the sun, enabling the most direct sunshine to reach the Northern Hemisphere this month.
Throughout history, this celestial occasion has actually played a vital function in various civilizations, shaping their calendars, customs, and agricultural practices. When to plant and harvest crops, Farmers would rely on the June Solstice to determine. The solstices timing influenced the advancement of numerous calendars, such as the ancient Roman calendar and the contemporary Gregorian calendar.
Enjoy the seasonal change as you watch the skies!
Brilliant stars Spica and Arcturus shine brightly overhead on June nights, along with the Summer Triangle. And the June solstice, on the 21st, has an unique claim to fame.