June's Strawberry Moon shines brightly across social media as stargazers celebrate 'insane' astronomical event
Stargazers have been feasting their eyes on the gorgeous Strawberry Moon, yet another glorious astronomical phenomenon that we get to witness this year. Throughout this weekend, the stunning full moon will be at its height, casting moon shadows on the ground and may or may not have a slight pinkish tinge to it.
What is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is a nickname given to June's full moon and comes from the Algonquin Indian tribe. In ancient times, changing seasons were tracked based on the lunar month, rather than the solar year, which the modern Gregorian calendar follows. So, they associated the names of the months with salient features of the Northern Hemisphere seasons. June's full moon signaled the best time for strawberry-picking in the Northeast, where the tribe was located. Essentially, the ripening of the wild strawberries at the onset of summer led to the full moon's baptism as the "Strawberry Moon".
It also goes by other names like the "Honey Moon" and "Hot Moon". In Europe, it is termed the "Rose Moon" while "Mead Moon" is an Anglo-Saxon name given to the cosmic occurrence. It gained recognition after it was featured in the Old Farmer's Almanac in the 1930s. The Strawberry Moon appears as such as it imperfectly aligns with the Sun and the Earth in what is called a penumbral lunar eclipse.
How to get a glimpse of the Strawberry Moon from home?
Under Lucky Stars, a company that makes custom-made star maps recommends the following for a seamless Strawberry Moon-viewing experience from your homes, with no equipment required. Since the moon always rises in the east and sets in the west, your eyes should follow that direction while observing the full moon in the night sky. Thanks to the current climate, the reduction in pollution levels and good weather forecast will contribute to clear skies and aid in your view.
Furthermore, it suggests allowing some time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness since you've been accustomed to the brightness from the day. Turn off all the lights in your home, to enhance your sight. "Artificial brightness from light sources makes it harder to view the stars in the sky, so make your surrounding area as dark as possible", a press statement from Under Lucky Stars reads. "The moon is the brightest thing in the sky at night, and any glare can make it harder to observe the sky."
What stargazers are saying?
Following the appearance of the Strawberry Moon on June 5, keen stargazers took to Twitter to post pictures of the beautiful astronomical event. Many have been left awestruck at the sight, while others are taking the opportunity to send prayers of love and happiness. "The moon is INSANE tonight. #strawberrymoon", a user said. Another substituted the moon for her TV and said "I ate my dinner watching the #StrawberryMoon come up over the #BayBridge in #SanFrancisco".
These users who were besotted with tonight's moon said "I could just stare at the moon tonight. #StrawberryMoon" and that it is "The most beautiful moon I’ve seen in my lifetime so far, #StrawberryMoon". Another user commented, "The #StrawberryMoon was so beautiful! I was so grateful to have perfect weather tonight. *this world deserves these occasional serene moments*"
"The moon came out to play tonight and the sight was breathtaking. #StrawberryMoon", quipped a user in a tweet. "Takes my breath away, every day. Some days more than others #StrawberryMoon," another added. Another wrote a prayer for protection: "This #StrawberryMoon will bring new tides to us all. Today is a day of reflection of the past days. We unite under this moon to bring protection to those who need it most. We ask the Mother Moon to lend us her light for strength."