June’s full moon, nicknamed the strawberry moon, will shine brightly on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The moon will be at its fullest at 3:44 a.m. ET Wednesday but will still appear bright and low in the east after sunset on Tuesday, as well as low in the west opposite the sunrise on Wednesday morning, per EarthSky. The summer solstice falls this month, occurring on June 20, which means that the sun typically appears higher in the sky and moon seems closer to the horizon because the celestial bodies are positioned on opposite sides of Earth. But this will also be the lowest full moon visible from the Northern Hemisphere in decades due to a phenomenon called a major lunar standstill, according to EarthSky. The standstill, when the moon is at its northernmost or southernmost point, occurs because the moon’s orbit is slowly dragged around in an 18.6-year cycle by the gravitational pull of the sun. The phenomenon is referred to as a standstill because the moon appears to stop changing direction during this time, even though it’s still moving in orbit, according to the Griffith Observatory. Although the standstill occurred in January, it’s still affecting our perspective of the full moon, according to EarthSky. The last major lunar standstill occurred in 2006. Meanwhile, for those viewing the flip side of this phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere, the full moon will reach its highest point. While the silvery orb won’t look anything like a berry, June’s full moon got its moniker from indigenous tribes that were inspired by the sweet berries such as strawberries that ripen and reach their peak this time of year. Both the Anishinaabe and the Sioux people refer to this month’s full moon as the strawberry moon. Meanwhile, the Creeks know it as the blackberry moon, and the Shawnee tribe calls it the raspberry moon. Spot the Milky Way The full moon won’t be the only celestial sight to seek out in June’s night sky. The strawberry moon will also appear near the center of the Milky Way, according to NASA.The galaxy’s bright center will be on annual display from June through August, known as “Core Season” because the core of the Milky Way is visible, the agency shared. Keep an eye out for a faint, hazy band resembling a cloud that seems to arc toward the south. The band is best seen away from city lights under dark skies and will appear even more vivid through long-exposure photography. Meanwhile, multiple planets will be visible in the sky this month. Mars, Jupiter and Mercury will all appear low in the west after sunset. Look for bright Venus low in the eastern sky for about two hours before the sun rises all month long. The crescent moon and Venus will appear close together in the early morning eastern sky on June 22. Upcoming full moons There are six more full moons to look out for in 2025, with supermoons occurring in October, November and December. Here’s the list of full moons remaining in 2025, according to the Farmers’ Almanac: Lunar and solar eclipses in 2025 In the lead-up to fall, two eclipse events will grace the sky. A total lunar eclipse will be most visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of eastern South America, Alaska and Antarctica on September 7 and 8, according to Time and Date. A lunar eclipse, which causes the moon to look dark or dimmed, occurs when Earth is between the sun and moon and the three celestial objects line up in a row so that the moon passes into our planet’s shadow. When the moon is within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, it takes on a reddish hue, which has led to the nickname “blood moon” for a lunar eclipse, according to NASA. That shadow isn’t perfect, so sunbeams sneak around the shadow’s edges, bathing the moon in warm hues. A partial solar eclipse will occur on September 21 as the moon moves between the sun and Earth but the celestial bodies aren’t perfectly aligned, according to NASA. In this type of event, the moon only blocks part of the sun’s face, creating a crescent shape in which it appears to take a “bite” out of the sun. This event will be visible to more remote areas of Australia, Antarctica and the Pacific Ocean.
Look up to see June’s full strawberry moon, the Milky Way and multiple planets
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"June's Strawberry Moon to Shine Alongside the Milky Way and Visible Planets"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
The June full moon, popularly known as the strawberry moon, will reach its peak brightness on Wednesday at 3:44 a.m. ET, but it will also be prominently visible on Tuesday evening. This full moon is particularly notable because it will appear lower in the sky than usual for observers in the Northern Hemisphere, a phenomenon attributed to a major lunar standstill. This standstill occurs when the moon reaches its northernmost or southernmost position in its orbit, a cyclic event that takes place over an 18.6-year period due to the gravitational forces exerted by the sun. Although the last major lunar standstill was in January, its effects continue to influence the visibility of the full moon, making this month’s viewing experience unique. Indigenous tribes have named this full moon based on the ripening of strawberries, with the Anishinaabe and Sioux calling it the strawberry moon, while others refer to it as the blackberry or raspberry moon.
In addition to the strawberry moon, stargazers will have the opportunity to observe the Milky Way, which will be particularly visible during this time, known as 'Core Season.' The bright center of the Milky Way can be seen from June through August, offering a stunning view of the galaxy. To enhance the experience, viewers are encouraged to find dark locations away from city lights to witness the hazy band of the Milky Way more vividly. Moreover, several planets including Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury will be visible in the western sky after sunset, while Venus will shine brightly in the eastern sky before dawn. Notably, on June 22, a crescent moon will appear in proximity to Venus, creating an excellent opportunity for photography. Looking ahead, there are additional celestial events to anticipate, including upcoming lunar and solar eclipses in September, providing more chances for sky enthusiasts to enjoy remarkable astronomical phenomena.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an engaging overview of June's full moon, known as the strawberry moon, while intertwining astronomical phenomena and cultural references. It highlights the significance of this event not only in terms of its visual appeal but also its historical and cultural roots, particularly among indigenous tribes.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim of this article is to inform readers about the upcoming full moon and its unique characteristics, encouraging them to engage with the night sky. By detailing both the scientific aspects of the lunar standstill and the cultural significance of the moon's name, the article seeks to enhance public interest in astronomy and nature.
Public Perception
This piece aims to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for celestial events, potentially fostering a greater interest in astronomy among the public. The inclusion of indigenous names for the moon serves to honor cultural heritage, which may resonate positively with communities interested in environmental and cultural awareness.
Potential Omissions
There doesn't seem to be any overt attempt to hide or obscure information in this article. Instead, it presents a wealth of information about the moon that is educational and enlightening. However, it may not delve into the broader implications of lunar phenomena on human behavior or cultural practices, which could be an area of interest for some readers.
Reliability of the Information
The information presented appears to be factual, drawing on reputable sources like EarthSky and the Griffith Observatory. Given the article's scientific grounding, it can be considered reliable. The references to cultural aspects are also well-documented, making the narrative both informative and culturally respectful.
Social and Economic Impact
While the article is primarily focused on an astronomical event, it could indirectly influence local tourism, outdoor activities, and community events centered around stargazing. Increased interest in such celestial events can foster community bonding and support local businesses that offer related experiences, such as guided night sky tours.
Target Audience
This article seems to appeal to a diverse audience, including astronomy enthusiasts, families looking for educational activities, and individuals interested in cultural history. The blend of scientific and cultural narratives makes it accessible to a broad readership.
Stock Market and Economic Relevance
While the article itself does not directly influence stock markets or specific financial sectors, increased public interest in astronomy and outdoor activities could benefit companies involved in tourism, outdoor gear, and educational services.
Global Context
Although this article is primarily focused on a celestial event, it connects to larger themes of environmental awareness and cultural appreciation, which are important in today's global dialogue about sustainability and heritage.
Artificial Intelligence Usage
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have assisted in structuring the information and enhancing clarity. Given the style, it seems likely that human authorship guided the narrative choices, especially regarding cultural references.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear to possess manipulative qualities. Instead, it uses descriptive language to engage readers' imagination and curiosity without directing them towards a specific agenda or viewpoint.
The article serves as a celebration of natural phenomena and cultural heritage, promoting a positive and educational perspective on astronomy.