It is on 29 June that the Full Moon will be at its lowest position, giving the northern hemisphere the opportunity to see a rare astronomical spectacle that will only be repeated in 2043. The Moon's position will cause the Earth's natural satellite to be very close to the horizon, appearing larger than normal.

The Strawberry Moon happens every year in June and is usually the lowest of the year. However, in 2026, the phenomenon will occur every 18.6 years, in a cycle that determines the extremes of the Moon's rising and setting.

The phenomenon will be visible only in the northern hemisphere, while in the southern hemisphere, the Moon will be at its highest position of the year.

Moon colour

Although it is called the Strawberry Moon, the Moon will not necessarily have a reddish hue. The phenomenon's name is associated with agriculture, as June is when strawberries are usually harvested.

Viewing conditions

However, it is possible for the Moon to have an orange hue, or even red or golden, especially when it is low on the horizon.

According to Alan Jones, quoted by The Independent, the best time to see the phenomenon is at sunset on 30 June, as the image will appear "more dramatic".

For a better view of the Strawberry Moon, those curious can head to open areas with little or no artificial light, where the sky is clear and the view is unobstructed, so they can appreciate the horizon.