Just after the historic 2024 summer solstice, another rare celestial event will grace the sky—the strawberry moon. This year's strawberry moon will be particularly special.

What to Know:

When is the Next Full Moon?
The full moon will reach peak illumination at 8:08 p.m. CT on June 21, according to the Farmer's Almanac.

Why is This Strawberry Moon Unique?

This first full moon of summer will be the lowest we've seen in quite some time. The Farmer's Almanac reports that because the 2024 June full moon coincides with the solstice, it will be the lowest full moon in years. This low position in the sky will make the moon appear particularly large, an effect known as the "Moon Illusion." Additionally, the moon will likely have an orange-red hue due to its proximity to the horizon, which also means there will be less moonlight, leaving the night largely dark.

Why is it Called a 'Strawberry Moon'?

The name "strawberry moon" originated from Native American Algonquian tribes, as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples. It references the ripening of June-bearing strawberries that are ready to be gathered during this time.