On June 11, skywatchers around the world were witness to a rare celestial event. They had a glimpse of the Strawberry Moon, the full moon of June, in its lowest-hanging position in nearly two decades.
The Strawberry Moon does not appear pink or resemble the fruit itself but its name is steeped in the cultural traditions of Native American, Colonial American and European origins. (Image: Instagram)
Historically, full moon names served as a seasonal tracker. June’s full moon, often the last of spring or the first of summer, is traditionally called the strawberry moon because it marks the ripening season of “June-bearing” strawberries, which are ready for harvest at this time. (Image: Instagram)
Native American tribes of the northeastern US also referred to it as the Berries Ripen Moon, coinciding with the blooming of flowers and ripening of fruits. (Image: Instagram)
While June’s full Moon is generally the lowest-hanging of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, this year’s event is exceptionally so due to a ‘major lunar standstill’ that took place earlier this year. (Image: Instagram)
This rare astronomical event happens every 18.6 years when the Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit around the Earth. This causes it to rise and set at its most northerly and southerly positions on the horizon. (Image: Instagram)
An equally low Moon is not anticipated again until 2043, making this week’s viewing a truly unique opportunity. (Image: Instagram)
#Stunning #Images #Leave #Spellbound
