🌸 What Is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is the name for the June full moon, originating from Native American tribes who associated it with the strawberry harvest. Despite its fruity name, this moon does not appear pink or red because of its name—it’s simply the nickname for June’s full moon.
In 2025, the Strawberry Moon is extra special. It coincides with a major lunar standstill, which causes the moon to appear very low on the horizon—making it appear larger and more orange than usual.
📅 When Is the Strawberry Moon in 2025?
- Full Moon Date: June 11, 2025
- Full Moon Time: 3:44 AM ET (early morning)
- Best Viewing: Evening of June 10, just after sunset
- Moonrise Time: Around 8:53 PM local time (in cities like Rochester, NY)
🌕 The moon will appear nearly full during the evening of June 10 and reach its peak brightness in the early morning hours of June 11.
🔴 Why Is the Moon Red or Orange Tonight?
You may notice that tonight’s moon looks orange or red, especially at moonrise. This is due to a natural effect called Rayleigh scattering, where the Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light and lets warmer colors like red and orange pass through.
If there’s smoke, dust, or haze in the atmosphere (such as from wildfires or pollution), the color can appear even deeper red or rusty orange. This is why some people might call it a “Blood Moon”, though technically, a true blood moon only occurs during a total lunar eclipse.
🌕 Is Tonight a Full Moon?
Yes, tonight is a full moon—the Strawberry Full Moon. You’ll see it rise in the east just after sunset, glowing bright and possibly with a red-orange tint depending on your local conditions.
🌅 Moonrise Time Tonight (Example: Rochester, NY)
- Moonrise: Around 8:53 PM
- Moonset: Around 4:28 AM
- Sky Conditions: Mostly clear, mild temperatures, with possible hazy skies (perfect for stargazing)
Use a moonrise calculator for your specific city if you're outside Rochester or the Eastern Time Zone.
🌕 Pink Moon vs. Strawberry Moon
Let’s clear up a common mix-up:
| Name | Month | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Moon | April | Not actually pink |
| Strawberry Moon | June | Not actually red or pink |
Both are seasonal names, not literal descriptions. Tonight's moon may look red or orange because of atmospheric conditions—not because it's called the Strawberry Moon.
🩸 Is Tonight a Blood Moon?
No, tonight is not a Blood Moon. A Blood Moon only occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the Earth casts a red shadow on the moon. The next Blood Moon will happen in September 2025.
However, if the moon looks reddish tonight, it’s due to its low position in the sky and atmospheric particles—not an eclipse.
🔭 Moon-Watching Tips
- Find a clear eastern horizon with minimal city lights.
- Arrive early, about 20–30 minutes before moonrise.
- Use a tripod or binoculars for better moon detail.
- Bring a camera to capture the low, orange moon on the horizon.
🌕 Upcoming Moon Phases After the Strawberry Moon
- Third Quarter Moon: June 18, 2025
- New Moon: June 25, 2025
- Next Full Moon (Buck Moon): July 10, 2025
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is tonight a full moon?
A: Yes, tonight is the full Strawberry Moon.
Q: Why is the moon orange tonight?
A: The moon appears orange when it is low on the horizon due to atmospheric scattering.
Q: Is there a Blood Moon tonight?
A: No, there is no lunar eclipse tonight. The reddish hue is caused by normal sky conditions.
Q: What time is the Strawberry Moon tonight?
A: Moonrise is around 8:53 PM in eastern U.S. cities like Rochester. The moon reaches full phase at 3:44 AM ET.
Q: Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
A: It’s the name for the June full moon, linked to the strawberry harvest season.
🌕 Final Thoughts
Tonight’s Strawberry Full Moon is a must-see celestial event. Whether you call it the Red Moon, the Pink Moon, or simply the Full Moon, this moonrise will be one of the most beautiful of the year—especially due to the rare low arc in the sky.
So head outside tonight, look to the eastern horizon, and enjoy nature’s glowing spotlight.
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