On the evening of June 5 the full moon, popularly called the Strawberry Moon, appeared unusually low on the horizon. This positioning allowed viewers across many regions to see the moon’s glow near the horizon, resulting in a wealth of striking photographs.
Favourable viewing conditions
The moon’s low altitude produced long shadows and a strong contrast with the surrounding stars. In northern latitudes the effect was most pronounced, while observers farther south saw the moon later in the night.
Photographic highlights
- Images from the United States captured the moon over city skylines, with urban lights framing the horizon.
- European hobby astronomers documented the moon above alpine terrain, creating dramatic silhouettes.
- Asian observers used the low arc to photograph the moon shining over historic temples.
The mix of clear skies, minimal light pollution and the moon’s low trajectory yielded a series of impressive pictures that quickly spread across social media and specialist forums.
Scientific background
The Strawberry Moon is the June full moon and derives its name from North American folklore linking it to the strawberry harvest. Astronomically it is a standard full moon, occurring when the Moon is opposite the Sun relative to Earth, resulting in full illumination.