The 2025 Strawberry Moon is extra special. On June 11, the full moon aligns with a supermoon and the ultra-rare lunar standstill, an event seen only once every
The 2025 Strawberry Moon is extra special. On June 11, the full moon aligns with a supermoon and the ultra-rare lunar standstill, an event seen only once every 18.6 years. Expect an unusually large, bright moon tracing extreme rise and set points across the sky. Don’t miss this once-in-a-generation celestial show!
June 11, 2025, marks a rare and breathtaking astronomical event that has captured the attention of skywatchers worldwide. Tonight, the full Strawberry Moon will rise in stunning alignment with two extraordinary cosmic phenomena: a supermoon and a lunar standstill. This triple alignment is a once-in-a-generation occurrence, only witnessed every 18.6 years, making it one of the most significant lunar events of the decade.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Strawberry Moon, the mechanics of a lunar standstill, why this particular event is so rare, and how best to witness the spectacle.
Despite what its name might suggest, the Strawberry Moon is not named for its color. Instead, the term originates from the Native American Algonquin tribes, who used this full Moon in June to signal the short strawberry harvesting season. The name has been passed down for centuries, becoming a popular term for the June full moon in many cultures.
Occasionally, atmospheric conditions such as humidity, dust, or pollution can give the Strawberry Moon a pinkish hue near the horizon. Still, most often, it appears as a golden or bright white moon, especially as it rises higher in the sky.
Adding to tonight’s spectacle is the supermoon status of this year’s Strawberry Moon. A supermoon occurs when the full Moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. During a supermoon, the Moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Because the Moon is closer to Earth during a supermoon, it dominates the night sky, often appearing enormous as it rises above the horizon. This optical illusion, combined with its actual proximity, makes supermoons particularly striking.
The rarest and most scientifically intriguing part of tonight’s event is the lunar standstill. This phenomenon occurs only every 18.6 years due to the complex gravitational interplay between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
To understand a lunar standstill, one must first grasp the Moon’s orbital tilt. The Moon’s orbit is inclined about 5.1 degrees relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. However, this inclination itself oscillates slightly over an 18.6-year cycle, known as the lunar nodal cycle.
Tonight, during the major lunar standstill, the Moon will rise and set at its most extreme points along the horizon. This results in unusually high arcs in the sky for observers at specific latitudes, making the Moon appear to travel much higher and lower in the sky than usual.
While supermoons occur several times a year and Strawberry Moons appear annually, combining both with a major lunar standstill is extraordinarily uncommon. The last time this triple alignment occurred was nearly two decades ago, and it won’t happen again until 2043.
This convergence of phenomena requires precise timing:
Such synchronicity is a rare gift of celestial mechanics, offering astronomers, photographers, and sky enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe the Moon’s behavior under extraordinary conditions.
To get the most out of tonight’s display, here are some practical tips for skywatchers:
The exact time of moonrise and its peak brightness will vary depending on your location. Generally, the Strawberry Moon will begin to rise shortly after sunset. The best views occur when the Moon is near the horizon, creating the illusion of an even larger size.
The dramatic effect of the supermoon is most striking when viewed near the horizon. Find an open area free from trees, buildings, or mountains to see the Moon rise unobstructed.
While the full Moon’s brightness can overwhelm most telescope observations, binoculars can enhance surface details, such as craters and maria. A high-quality telescope may reveal even more stunning textures under the right conditions.
Astrophotographers will want to prepare their equipment in advance. Use a tripod, long exposure settings, and remote triggers to capture sharp, vibrant images. Incorporating foreground elements such as trees, buildings, or mountains can create stunning compositions.
Cloud cover can ruin an otherwise perfect night. Check your local weather forecast and consider traveling to an area with clearer skies if necessary.
Beyond its scientific intrigue, the Strawberry Moon holds cultural and spiritual importance for many traditions worldwide.
In 2025, as the Strawberry Moon combines with a supermoon and lunar standstill, many observers find deeper meaning in this natural convergence, seeing it as a symbol of rare harmony and cosmic balance.
For astronomers, tonight’s event offers more than just visual beauty. The unusual paths and angles taken by the Moon during a lunar standstill provide valuable data for refining models of Earth-Moon gravitational dynamics, orbital mechanics, and long-term lunar motion.
In ancient times, many megalithic structures, such as Stonehenge and Newgrange, were believed to align with lunar standstill positions, reflecting the significance that early civilizations placed on observing the Moon’s extremes.
If you miss tonight’s event, you’ll need to wait until 2043 for the subsequent major lunar standstill coinciding with a supermoon and Strawberry Moon. This 18.6-year cycle highlights the fleeting and precious nature of these moments.
For those fortunate enough to experience it tonight, the 2025 Strawberry Moon with lunar standstill is a vivid reminder of our planet’s dynamic relationship with its only natural satellite and a humbling example of the complex clockwork of our solar system.
The June 2025 Strawberry Moon offers far more than a beautiful full moon. It brings together the stunning visuals of a supermoon, the historical significance of the Strawberry Moon, and the complex celestial mechanics of a lunar standstill. This event occurs only once every generation.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply someone who enjoys the wonder of the night sky, tonight is a rare chance to witness nature’s grand design at its most spectacular. Take a moment, look up, and take in the view.
