Stargazers will get the chance to see a spectacular celestial display today as the annual Strawberry Moon peaks in the sky.
In June, the full moon marks the start of warm summer weather and is called a Strawberry Moon, and sometimes as the Rose Moon or the Hot Moon.
The name Strawberry Moon is derived from the reddish, pink hues of this particular full moon.
It's also named this way because of a connection back to Native American times, where this time of year would usually be the beginning of strawberry picking season.
Trading Card Game (TCG) Cards, the Universe and Everything has unpacked all you need to know about the Strawberry Moon, from its origin to superstitions.
What is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is a type of full moon which occurs in June every year.
This year’s is even more special than usual, being the first “supermoon” of the year.
A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth along its orbital path. As a result, it’s much more visible in the sky, around 7 per cent larger and 15 per cent brighter.
How often does the Strawberry Moon occur?
The Strawberry Moon occurs once per year in June.
Full moons take place around every 30 days throughout the year, so the Strawberry Moon never falls on the same exact date. Last year’s Strawberry Moon, for example, took place on June 24, 2021.
When exactly can you see the Strawberry Moon?
Fear not, if you want to see the Strawberry Moon, it won’t involve staying awake until the early hours of the morning.
In f act, it’s actually set to achieve peak illumination at 12:51pm in the afternoon, so time your lunch break strategically.
Are there any superstitions about the Strawberry Moon?
This year’s Strawberry Moon is occurring while the Moon is in the Sagittarius constellation.
According to astrology, your hip joints, hip muscles, liver, lumbar muscle, lumbar vertebra, sacrum, tail bone and thigh bones are all more sensitive while the Moon is in Sagittarius, so make sure to take extra care - if you believe in that kind of thing.
What other full moons are coming up?
The next full moon, the Buck Moon, will take place on July 13. It will achieve peak illumination at 7:38pm, much later than today’s Strawberry Moon.
In August, the Sturgeon Moon will take place at 2:36am on August 12, so make sure to set an alarm or stock up on plenty of coffee, or both!
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