"Strawberry Moon" and Lunar Standstill Tonight

WNC --  People in Western North Carolina, look to the sky tonight for a remarkable celestial event: the full "Strawberry Moon," coinciding with a rare astronomical phenomenon known as a major lunar standstill.

The Strawberry Moon will reach its peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. EDT on June 11. However, the most impactful local viewing will occur tonight, June 10, shortly after moonrise at 8:42 p.m. EDT.

The designation "Strawberry Moon" originates from Algonquin Native American traditions, marking the period when wild strawberries become ready for harvest. As the moon ascends tonight, its low position on the horizon may cause it to appear with a distinct golden or reddish tint. This effect occurs as moonlight passes through a greater amount of Earth's atmosphere, scattering shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red wavelengths to be more visible.

What makes this particular full moon exceptionally significant is its alignment with a major lunar standstill, also referred to as a lunistice. This astronomical occurrence happens approximately every 18.6 years; the last instance was in 2006. During a major lunar standstill, the Moon reaches the most extreme northern and southern points of its rising and setting arcs on the horizon. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, this means the Strawberry Moon will be positioned unusually low in the sky, contributing to a more dramatic visual experience.

This low trajectory, coupled with the "Moon Illusion"—a phenomenon where objects near the horizon appear larger to the human eye—could result in the moon appearing notably larger than typical.

Key Viewing Information:

When: Look towards the southeastern horizon shortly after 8:42 p.m. EDT tonight, June 10. Peak illumination is at 3:44 a.m. EDT on June 11.
Where: Seek out a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Areas with minimal light pollution will enhance visibility.
Observation: No specialized equipment is required to observe this event.

This combination of the Strawberry Moon and a major lunar standstill presents a unique viewing opportunity. The next major lunar standstill will not occur until 2043.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes