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Strawberry Moon Rises Low Tonight in Rare Major Lunar Standstill

This low altitude occurs because of a once-in-18.6-year lunar alignment, making it the lowest full moon since 2006.

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The Milky Way is seen at Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas, on August 12, 2024.
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Overview

  • The Strawberry Moon will reach full phase at 1:15 p.m. IST on June 11, with its most striking appearance occurring this evening just after sunset.
  • Rising low over the southeastern horizon, the moon’s light passes through more atmosphere, enhancing red and orange hues and creating an enlarged appearance.
  • The sighting coincides with a major lunar standstill, an 18.6-year cycle that brings the moon to its lowest rise and set points and won’t repeat until 2043.
  • Ideal viewing locations are open areas facing southeast, away from city lights, with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata offering clear skies around 7 p.m. IST.
  • The name derives from Native American full-moon traditions marking the wild strawberry harvest in early summer rather than any change in the moon’s color.