A 'Strawberry Moon' will be visible in the UK this week
It will peak on the evening of Thursday 24th June
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
Following the 'best eclipse of the decade' earlier this month, which was largely ruined here in the UK by the cloudy weather, the annual 'Strawberry Moon' is set to light up the skies this week, a real treat for astronomy lovers!
What is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is the sixth full moon of the year, following the Wolf Moon, the Snow Moon, the Worm Moon, the Pink Moon and May's Flower Moon.
Arriving just days after the Summer Solstice, the Strawberry Moon will be the largest until 2022.
Despite the name, the Strawberry Moon isn't actually red. Just like every other month, June's full moon gets its name as it coincides with strawberry picking season in the US.
When can I see the Strawberry Moon?
According to reports, June's Strawberry Moon will peak on the evening of Thursday 24th June.
The best time to see the Strawberry Moon will be late on Thursday as it rises in the east. If you look southeast immediately after sunset the Moon will be at its peak.
The Strawberry Moon will also appear full the day before and after in the skies.
Check out these top astronomy tips:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
When is the next full moon?
There's a Full Moon every month of the year. Check out all of the dates and names of the 2021 Full Moons below:
28th January: Wolf Moon
27th February: Snow Moon
28th March: Worm Moon
27th April: Pink Moon
26th May: Flower Moon
24th June: Strawberry Moon
24th July: Buck Moon
22nd August: Sturgeon Moon
21st September: Corn/Harvest Moon
20th October: Hunter's Moon
19th November: Beaver Moon
19th December: Cold Moon