Discover the enchanting Strawberry Moon of June 2025, a rare low moon illuminating the night sky. Learn about its significance and viewing tips.
Vancouver, BC – Stargazers and sky-gazers across North America are preparing for a truly special celestial event this June: the Strawberry Moon, which this year will not only be full but will also track unusually low across the night sky. This rare occurrence, expected to reach its peak illumination on Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 1:40 AM PDT, promises a breathtaking display, offering a unique photographic opportunity and a chance to witness the moon’s amplified presence against the horizon.
What Makes This Strawberry Moon So Special?
While June’s full moon is always known as the “Strawberry Moon” – a name coined by Native American tribes to mark the ripening of strawberries – the 2025 iteration holds a particular distinction. This year, the moon’s trajectory will be significantly lower than usual, an astronomical phenomenon that will enhance its apparent size and intensity, especially during moonrise and moonset.
“The key to this year’s Strawberry Moon’s unique appearance lies in the tilt of the Earth’s axis relative to the sun’s position during the summer solstice,” explains Dr. Evelyn Reed, a senior astronomer at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver. “Because the full moon in June is directly opposite the sun, and the sun is at its highest point in the sky around the solstice, the full moon is consequently at its lowest point.”
This low arc across the sky means the moon will spend more time near the horizon, where the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a natural lens, magnifying and often tinting its appearance. Dust and other particulates in the atmosphere scatter blue light, allowing more red and orange hues to reach our eyes, giving the moon a warm, almost fiery glow.
The Science Behind the Low Moon Phenomenon
The seemingly simple act of the moon rising and setting is governed by a complex interplay of celestial mechanics. The Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees is the primary driver of seasons, but it also profoundly influences the apparent path of the moon and sun across our sky throughout the year.
Earth’s Axial Tilt and the Ecliptic
Our planet orbits the sun on a path called the ecliptic. Because of the Earth’s tilt, the sun’s apparent path across our sky varies throughout the year. In the summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, resulting in longer daylight hours and the sun appearing higher in the sky. Conversely, in winter, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away, leading to shorter days and a lower sun.
The moon’s orbit is also tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the sun, by about 5 degrees. This tilt, combined with the Earth’s axial tilt, dictates the moon’s declination – its angular distance north or south of the celestial equator.
The Summer Solstice Connection
The June full moon always occurs close to the summer solstice, which typically falls around June 20th or 21st. At the summer solstice, the sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky. Since a full moon is always opposite the sun in the sky, a full moon occurring near the summer solstice will be at its southernmost, and therefore lowest, point in the Northern Hemisphere’s sky.
“This is the inverse effect of what we see during the winter solstice,” notes Dr. Reed. “During the winter, the full moon is high in the sky because the sun is low. It’s a beautiful cosmic dance, and this June, we’re particularly well-positioned to appreciate the low-hanging fruit, so to speak, of the celestial sphere.”
Prime Viewing Opportunities and Photography Tips
For optimal viewing of the low Strawberry Moon, finding a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon is crucial. Elevated spots, open fields, or even rooftops can provide excellent vantage points. The hours immediately following moonrise and preceding moonset will offer the most dramatic visual effects, as the moon will appear largest and most vibrantly colored due to atmospheric scattering.
When to Look Up: Key Times for Vancouver
- Moonrise on June 12th (prelude to peak): Approximately 9:00 PM PDT
- Peak Illumination: Friday, June 13, 2025, at 1:40 AM PDT
- Moonset on June 13th: Approximately 5:30 AM PDT
Photography Pointers
Capturing the beauty of the low Strawberry Moon can be a rewarding endeavor. Here are a few tips for aspiring astrophotographers:
- Tripod is a Must: To avoid camera shake and achieve sharp images, a sturdy tripod is essential, especially for longer exposures.
- Manual Mode is Your Friend: Take control of your camera settings. Experiment with ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. A good starting point might be ISO 100-400, aperture f/8-f/11, and shutter speed around 1/100 to 1/250 of a second, adjusting as needed.
- Focus on the Horizon: Frame your shot to include interesting foreground elements like trees, buildings, or landscapes to provide a sense of scale and artistic composition.
- Embrace the Warm Tones: Don’t be afraid to let the natural reddish or orange hues of the low moon come through.
- Remote Shutter Release: To further minimize camera shake, use a remote shutter release or your camera’s self-timer.
Beyond the Spectacle: Cultural Significance
The Strawberry Moon, regardless of its specific trajectory, holds significant cultural importance for many indigenous communities. It is a reminder of the Earth’s cycles and the bounty of nature. For some, it marks a time for gathering, celebration, and reflection.
“It’s more than just an astronomical event; it’s a connection to centuries of human observation and understanding of the natural world,” says indigenous elder Mary Two-Rivers, from the Squamish Nation. “The moon, especially when it hangs heavy and low, reminds us of the power and beauty that surrounds us, and the wisdom embedded in the changing seasons.”
As the rare low Strawberry Moon of June 2025 ascends into the night sky, it offers us all a chance to pause, look up, and appreciate the intricate dance of our solar system. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful view, this celestial spectacle is not to be missed. Find your vantage point, set your alarms, and prepare to be enchanted by a truly unforgettable lunar display.