Catch the last full moon of spring, the Strawberry Micro Moon, June 11

This Wednesday, June 11, step outside at the right time and you’ll catch the last full moon rise of the spring –– the Strawberry Micro Moon. — Image credit: Getty Images

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Summary

Strawberry Micro Moon appears

This Wednesday marks the last full moon of spring, known as the Strawberry Micro Moon. It's called "micro" because it’s at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer.

Name rooted in harvest

Despite its name, the moon won’t appear red. The “strawberry” name comes from the Algonquin tribes, who used it to signal the start of wild strawberry harvest season.

Best viewing time

The moon reaches peak fullness at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11, but you can catch it rising earlier in the evening.

Full story

This Wednesday, June 11, step outside at the right time and you’ll catch the last full moon rise of the spring –– the Strawberry Micro Moon. According to NASA, this is when the moon will be at its farthest point from Earth, meaning it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer.

The strawberry name is not due to color. Rather, it comes from the Algonquin tribes in North America, as this moon signaled that wild strawberries were ready for harvest. According to Space.com, other cultures have dubbed the event the Blooming Moon, Green Corn Moon, Birth Moon and Hatching Moon, to name a few.

The moon will be at its fullest at 3:44 a.m. ET. However, if you can’t stay up late, LiveScience says to catch a glimpse when it rises on June 10.

The moon takes approximately 29.5 days to orbit Earth, a period known as a lunar cycle. As the moon moves through its various stages, it experiences several phases of partial light. These range from a banana-shaped crescent moon, a D-shaped quarter moon and a nearly full gibbous moon.

Miss your chance? The next full moon takes place July 10. This moon is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer, or bucks, are in full-growth mode at this time.

Tags: NASA, Science

Why this story matters

The Strawberry Micro Moon represents a unique astronomical and cultural event, offering educational opportunities about lunar cycles and the significance of traditional names given by Indigenous peoples and other cultures.

Astronomical phenomena

Understanding the occurrence of the Strawberry Micro Moon provides insight into the lunar cycle and the variations in the moon's appearance based on its distance from Earth, as described by NASA.

Cultural significance

The name and timing of the Strawberry Moon reflect the traditions of the Algonquin tribes and other cultures, connecting astronomical events to human history and seasonal activities, according to Space.com.

Educational opportunity

This event encourages public observation and learning about the moon's phases, names, and related phenomena, as well as guidance on when to view or anticipate future full moons, as noted by sources like LiveScience.

Get the big picture

Synthesized coverage insights across 39 media outlets

Community reaction

Various communities, especially amateur astronomers and stargazers, are preparing for viewing events and sharing tips for the best observation. According to local media, some regions are hosting educational nights, while cultural references highlight Indigenous heritage. Community enthusiasm grows online, with many people planning photos, gatherings and social media sharing centered on the moon’s low, colorful appearance.

Context corner

The term “Strawberry Moon” derives from naming traditions by Native American tribes, particularly the Algonquin, marking strawberry harvest time in June. In Europe, it’s called the Rose, Honey or Mead Moon for similar seasonal reasons. The lunar standstill is a result of the moon’s orbital inclination and the 18.6-year cycle that alters the moon’s position in the sky.

Global impact

The Strawberry Moon’s visibility stretches across several continents, uniting global sky-watchers. According to international sources, the phenomenon sparks cultural interest in North America, Europe and Asia, highlighting shared traditions and scientific curiosity worldwide. These event cycles foster cross-cultural connections while encouraging appreciation for natural phenomena that transcend borders.

Sources

Bias comparison

Media outlets on the left foreground cultural depth, highlighting Indigenous names and the moon’s seasonal significance with emotive terms like “spectacular” and “awe.”
Media outlets in the center adopt a more scientific, neutral tone focused on astronomical mechanics and practical viewing advice.
Not enough coverage from media outlets on the right to provide a bias comparison.

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Media landscape

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39 total sources

Key points from the Left

The Strawberry Moon will rise on June 11, and is known for being the lowest full Moon since 2006 due to a major lunar standstill.
NASA explains that full Moons around the summer solstice, like this Strawberry Moon, appear lower in the sky due to the sun's position.
The full moon is the sixth of 12 full moons in 2025, and it will reach its peak at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11.

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Key points from the Center

The Strawberry Moon, a full moon named for the June strawberry harvest, will appear fully lit on June 11, with visibility expected across North America and the U.K.
This event occurs because a full moon happens when the moon is opposite the sun, allowing the lunar disk to be fully illuminated from Earth’s perspective.
Due to a major lunar standstill, the 2025 Strawberry Moon will be seen strikingly close to the southern horizon, reaching its lowest position in the sky since 2006.
It will reach its peak fullness at 3:44 a.m. ET , with moonrise at dusk on June 10 offering the best viewing opportunity when it appears larger near the horizon.
This rare low position will not recur until 2043 and highlights the moon’s 18.6-year orbital cycle linked to seasonal timing near the summer solstice on June 21.

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