The full moon known as the Strawberry Moon reached peak illumination on June 29, 2026. It was the first full moon of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the first of astronomical winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The event was observable worldwide and generated numerous photographs.
Timing and Astronomical Context
The moon reached 100% illumination at approximately 7:57 p.m. EDT (Eastern Time) on June 29, according to multiple sources. It appeared full for several days before and after this peak.
This full moon occurred near the June solstice, which took place on June 21. It was classified as a "micromoon," appearing slightly smaller and dimmer than average due to its position near the farthest point in its orbit around Earth (apogee). The distance from Earth was reported as 252,442 miles (406,267 km), occurring approximately 36 hours after apogee. The Strawberry Moon was the third and final micromoon of 2026.
Visibility and Celestial Path
Northern Hemisphere: The full moon followed a low trajectory across the sky, rising in the southeast, remaining low near the southern horizon, and setting in the southwest. It was the lowest-hanging full moon of the year.
Southern Hemisphere: The full moon rose higher in the sky, marking the highest full moon of the year. It moved from southeast to northwest.
The moon's proximity to the horizon at moonrise and moonset could result in it appearing orange, golden, or pinkish due to atmospheric scattering of shorter blue wavelengths (Rayleigh scattering). This color effect is not unique to the Strawberry Moon. The moon could also appear unusually large near the horizon due to the moon illusion.
Moonrise Times in Major Cities (local time)
Region City Moonrise North America New York City 20:49 North America Los Angeles 20:26 North America Chicago 20:50 North America Toronto 21:23 North America Vancouver 21:51 UK & Ireland London 21:41 UK & Ireland Edinburgh 22:34 UK & Ireland Cardiff 21:55 UK & Ireland Belfast 22:30 UK & Ireland Dublin 22:20 Europe Paris 22:13 Europe Berlin 21:55 Europe Madrid 21:55 Australia/NZ Melbourne 16:10 Australia/NZ Sydney 16:02 Australia/NZ Auckland 16:10 Asia/Middle East Dubai 19:03 Asia/Middle East Singapore 18:45 Asia/Middle East Mumbai 19:04 Asia/Middle East Tokyo 18:46 Africa Abuja 18:40 Africa Nairobi 18:19 Africa Johannesburg 16:55Origin of the Name
The term "Strawberry Moon" originates from Algonquian-speaking peoples of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. It indicates the season for harvesting wild strawberries. The name does not imply the moon will appear strawberry-colored or red.
Other traditional names for the June full moon from various Indigenous groups include:
- Green Corn Moon (Cherokee)
- Hoer Moon (Western Abenaki)
- Berries Ripen Moon (Haida)
- Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe)
- Egg Laying Moon or Hatching Moon (Cree)
- Rose Moon, Hot Moon, and Mead Moon (European traditions)
Viewing Recommendations
Experts recommend finding a location away from bright city lights and obstructions such as tall buildings and trees. Checking local weather forecasts to minimize cloud cover is also advised. The use of binoculars or a telescope may enhance the viewing experience. Best viewing is eastward shortly after sunset.
Photographic Record
The Strawberry Moon was photographed by multiple photographers worldwide. Notable images include:
- The moon behind the sailing ship Nave Italia in Molfetta, Italy (Davide Pischettola).
- The moon beside and atop the Empire State Building, and near the Statue of Liberty in New York City (Gary Hershorn).
- The moon over San Francisco Bay, California (Tayfun Coskun).
- The moon above an ornate rooftop in Meishan, and against a dark sky in Qingzhou, China.
- The moon above a Reformed Church in Abaújvár, Hungary, photographed from near Kechnec, Slovakia (Robert Nemeti).
- The moon behind the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Greece (Ayhan Mehmet).
- The moon above a dolphin sculpture in Samsun, Turkiye (Veysel Altun).
- The moon over the Istanbul skyline with a cat in silhouette (Osmancan Gurdogan).
Upcoming Full Moons in 2026
- July 29: Buck Moon
- August 28: Sturgeon Moon
- September 26: Harvest Moon
- October 26: Hunter's Moon
- November 24: Beaver Moon (supermoon)
- December 23: Cold Moon (supermoon)
Other notable celestial events include a total solar eclipse on August 12 visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, and a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28. The event also follows the Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts around the far side of the moon. The next Artemis mission could launch as soon as late 2027.