A Strawberry Moon Will Be Visible This Weekend In The UK

6 months ago

Pink sky at night

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As the sun sets on the longest day of 2024, a strawberry moon will rise for the year’s shortest night. But what exactly is the Strawberry Moon? And where and when will you be able to enjoy this celestial phenomenon in the UK?

What Is A Strawberry Moon?

Given its name by the Native American Algonquian tribes in the northwestern U.S., the strawberry is so-called to mark the short strawberry harvest season. The full moon that ties in with the summer solstice marks the season of abundance and renewal that the summer brings with it. However, despite its name, it won’t actually appear pink or red in the sky.

When Is The 2024 Strawberry Moon in the UK?

Appearing from tonight, June 20, 2024, the Strawberry Moon will reach its peak at 22 June at 2.08am in the UK according to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The moon will continue to appear brightly over the weekend.

Where & When To See It

While the full moon peaks on Saturday night, the best time to witness this lunar marvel is shortly after sunset, at around 11pm, when the moon rises above the eastern horizon, casting its glow across the landscape. Just after sunset is when the moon appears largest in the sky, so if you’re making the most of the warm summer evenings with a night out, cast your eyes to the sky as you make your way home.

Areas away from city lights and light pollution will offer the best views, such as parks, open fields, or the countryside, where the eastern horizon is unobstructed. Locations like Edinburgh or cities and countryside across northern England are predicted to have excellent viewing conditions.

What Does The Strawberry Moon Symbolise?

The Strawberry Moon holds a spiritual meaning, rooted in the Native American traditions of reverence and respect for the natural world. It symbolises a time of new potential, renewal, and abundance, so it is a chance for us to reassess our intentions for the rest of the year ahead, and reflect on the abundance in our lives. The Strawberry Moon is also believed to deepen connections and foster meaningful communication, so choose your viewing partner with intention.

How Should You Celebrate The Strawberry Moon?

There are several options to mark the full moon. How about embarking on a moon ritual to harness the power of the moon, and making some moon water? Or having a family campout to witness the midsummer moon? Or you could simply going to bed, let it pass you by, and wake up refreshed on Sunday 23 June.