The Strawberry Moon 2019 is upon us and we have all the information you may need about this noteworthy celestial event. Even though it sounds like it, the Strawberry Moon does not actually look like a big round strawberry. Be sure to cast your gaze toward the sky for 2019's Strawberry Moon. And for the keen-eyed, there's a heavenly bonus with a prominent appearance from Jupiter, one of our fellow planets.
Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
Before you get too excited you should know the moon isn't going to actually look like a big, round strawberry. The Algonquin Tribes of Native Americans from North America gave the moon its name. It was the sign they waited for to begin harvesting their wild strawberries, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Does it have other names?
In different parts of the world, this moon has many other names. According to Europeans, it goes by the name Honey Moon, Mead Moon or the Full Rose Moon. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as Oak Moon, Cold Moon or Long Night Moon.
What's the best time to see it?
The peak of the full moon happens depending on the time zone at your location. The best time to see it in Nigeria was 9.30am, 17th June. According to timeanddate.com, around every 20 years, the strawberry Moon coincides with the summer solstice. This is either on June 20, 21, or 22. The best part is, most of these events will be visible with the naked eye. So there is no need to splash out on expensive equipment to get involved!
Having said this it should be noted that the only times the moon takes a bold red hue is during a total lunar eclipse. This is when the Moon hides in the Earth’s shadow.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon after the Strawberry Moon is on July 16. It is called the Buck Moon. It will also be the seventh full moon of the year.
Special guest
Now, about that celestial bonus. You may notice a bright object floating just above the moon. That will be not a star, but Jupiter. The solar system's largest planet actually made its closest approach to Earth in 2019 back on June 10, but it's still showing prominently in the night sky. Even ordinary binoculars should yield impressive viewing results.
For those who like to follow earthly and celestial events, we've got the summer solstice coming up in just a few days -- on Friday, June 21.
