Rare strawberry moon 2025: when and where to see it in the Midlands

Stargazers in the UK are in for a celestial treat on June 11, when a full Strawberry Moon will grace the skies - appearing unusually large and low, thanks to a rare astronomical event that hasn’t occurred in nearly two decades.

This full Moon will sit low on the southern horizon, creating the illusion of an oversized, glowing orb.

The striking sight is linked to a phenomenon known as a major lunar standstill, an event that only occurs once every 18.6 years.

The next chance to witness this will be in 2043.

The Strawberry Moon may appear to take on a reddish tinge. But it is nothing to do with its name.

The position of the Moon so close to the horizon means that the light it reflects towards Earth passes through the thicker, lower layer of atmosphere.

The term comes from Native American traditions, marking the time of year when wild strawberries were ripe and ready to be harvested. Like many full Moons, it carries a seasonal nickname once used to keep track of time and agricultural cycles.

June's full Moon is typically the lowest-hanging Moon of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the effect will be especially pronounced due to the lingering impacts of the lunar standstill, which causes the Moon to rise and set at its most extreme points on the horizon.

The Moon’s low arc across the sky during a major lunar standstill makes it appear larger and more dramatic.

Although it's just an optical illusion, the visual impact is breathtaking. Because it stays near the horizon, atmospheric conditions can give it a reddish hue, similar to the effect seen during sunsets.

This reddening isn’t tied to the Moon’s name - it’s simply a trick of light. As Moonlight travels through the thicker layer of Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon, shorter blue wavelengths scatter, while longer red wavelengths reach your eyes, giving the Moon a warm glow.

So when is best to see it?

Your best chance to see this spectacular sight is on Tuesday night, especially with clear skies forecast in parts of the UK. Look eastward at Moonrise, and if you miss it, try again as it makes its way westward through the night.

The next one like it won’t be back until 2043.