The upcoming Strawberry Moon is expected to grace the night sky on Tuesday, June 10, shining brightly until the early hours of Wednesday, June 11. This particular full moon will be the closest to the horizon in almost twenty years, offering a unique viewing experience. The Strawberry Moon gets its name from the strawberry harvest season, a tradition observed by various Native American tribes. Contrary to its name, the moon's color does not resemble a strawberry, but rather signifies the time when wild strawberries are ripe for picking.

To catch a glimpse of the 2025 Strawberry Moon at its best, find a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon. Opting for a spot outside city limits or on a hilltop can enhance your viewing experience by avoiding obstructions like buildings and trees. Utilize tools like The Old Farmer's Almanac's moonrise calculator to determine the ideal time and coordinates for observing the moonrise.

According to Chris Palma, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State University, the Strawberry Moon may exhibit reddish or pink hues, possibly contributing to its name. The moon is expected to reach its peak brightness at 3:44 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 11, although it will appear nearly full as it ascends the sky the night before.

The unique positioning of the Strawberry Moon, riding low in the sky, is attributed to the inclination of the moon's orbit, which follows an 18.6-year cycle. This phenomenon occurs due to the gradual shift in the moon's orbit caused by the sun's gravitational pull. As a result of the moon's low arc, its light must traverse more of Earth's atmosphere, leading to the scattering of shorter wavelengths and the prevalence of warmer tones in the moon's appearance.