Is The Strawberry Moon Rare?

Do you have your calendars marked yet for June 9, 2017? No? Well, get on that, because the Strawberry Moon will make it's yearly appearance on the evening of June 9, 2017 — and even better, it's actually the first full moon right before the summer solstice! Have an important event to attend that takes you away from your stargazing plans? No sweat, because the Strawberry Moon appears annually, so you will easily be able to catch it next year.

If you aren’t familiar with the Strawberry Moon, it is in fact a slightly pinkish moon that comes out in the month of June. You may have also heard of the Rose Moon happening around this time every year, which they are in fact the same thing. Rose Moon is the titled that the Europeans gave this particular moon.

No, the moon is not red like a strawberry, in case you were wondering where the name comes from. The name “strawberry” actually comes from the Algonquin tribes who would name different full moons based on seasonal changes within the weather, as well as nature. This particular full moon that comes out every year would signify the strawberry season. So basically, if you’re not devouring a strawberry shortcake or a strawberry pink lemonade while watching this full moon on June 9, then you’re seriously missing out.

Now, what is particularly rare is when the Strawberry Moon coincides with the summer solstice, which actually happened in 2016 for the first time since 1967. Since the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, the full moon peaked out a bit early with an amber-like color on the horizon. This unfortunately will not happen again until 2062... but I have a feeling you don’t have any plans yet that day so you can go ahead and mark your calendar for that one.

To catch the Strawberry Moon with a pinkish tone, be sure to check it out when it is against the horizon. The Strawberry Moon will be at it's best and brightest around 9:11 a.m. ET, in case you by any chance can sneak away from whatever shenanigans you have going on June 9 to get a glimpse of this gorgeous sight.