Monday, June 20, 2016

Strawberry Moon and Summer Solstice Event


For the first time since June 1967, two astronomical phenomena will occur at the same time. Monday evening, a full "strawberry" moon will shine in the night sky during the summer solstice — the longest day of the year.

EarthSky.org said a full moon on a summer solstice is a rare event, and another one is not likely to come around until June 21, 2062. Why is it called a strawberry moon? The Old Farmer's Almanac says the Algonquin tribe of indigenous Americans called the June full moon by that name because it occurred around the time the strawberries were being picked.

The moon reached its fullness this morning, and the actual evening solstice will take place at 6:34 p.m. Eastern time.

Two hours after that, the moon will rise at 8:41 p.m. Eastern time, and viewers will be able to see an event that occurs only once every half-century.


I'm going hunting for it! It is so light out, it might be hard to see?

4 comments:

  1. Just made it over the tree line. Somewhat reddish. Beautiful, big and bright!

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  2. Missed the reddish part of it. Just looks like another full moon to me. But cool to see it because it doesn't happen often.

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  3. I was late for the event but got to see a beautiful moon.

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