Big news for Augusta-area stargazers: Strawberry Moon's peak illumination is Friday

Miguel Legoas, C. A. Bridges and John Tufts, Augusta Chronicle
·3 min read

There's another full moon coming. It's June's moon, called the Strawberry Moon, and it's going to be special.

For the first time since 1985, the full moon lands right on the summer solstice, marking the official beginning of summer with the longest day of the year. The moon will be very low on the horizon, especially for a few hours right after midnight, and the thick air will paint it yellow or orange in a mostly black sky, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

Here’s a closer look at what Augusta-area residents need to know about this outer space phenomenon and its history:

FILE - Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon of June does not actually appear pink or red, but this year's may appear yellow or orange.
FILE - Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon of June does not actually appear pink or red, but this year's may appear yellow or orange.

Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?

June's Strawberry Moon is not an indication of its color. It takes its name from seasonal plant growth, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Many ripening berries were ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States.

Other names for June's full moon from Native American tribes include the Birth Moon, Hot Moon, Blooming Moon, and the Green Corn Moon.

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When is the best time to see the Strawberry Moon?

The Strawberry Moon will shine at peak illumination on Friday, June 21. According to the Time and Date, moonrise for the Augusta area will be about 8:53 p.m. June 21 crossing the meridian at 1:41 a.m. before setting at 6:28 a.m. June 22.

Where is the best spot for seeing the Strawberry Moon?

It's always best to get as far away from the city as possible when you want a good view of an astronomical event. During last year's blue supermoon, The Augusta Chronicle spoke with stargazing experts to identify some of Georgia's best spots for looking up at the sky. Here's what they recommended:

  • Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo

  • Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen

  • Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee

  • Sandy Creek Park in Athens

  • Deerlick Astronomy Village in Crawfordville

When is the next full moon of 2024?

The Buck Moon is set to charge into the sky on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Almanac

Embedded content: https://www.almanac.com/sites/default/files/styles/or/public/image_nodes/full-moon-names-padding-2400px.png?itok=EXGfrJUC

Astronomical events happening in June 2024

Skywatchers, according to NASA, should keep the following dates in mind for June 2024.

  • June 21: Full moon.

  • June 24: Jupiter is now visible low in the east before sunrise. Look for the bright planet around 10 degrees above the horizon this final week of June, forming a line with Mars and Saturn that stretches toward the south.

  • June 27: Look for the Moon rising in the east with Saturn around midnight. By dawn this morning, you'll find them high in the southern sky. They appear super close together – close enough to appear in the same field of view through binoculars.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rare strawberry moon, summer solstice over Augusta on Friday, June 21