• Rare Lunar Standstill: The Strawberry Moon appeared unusually low due to a major lunar standstill, a rare event that happens every 18.6 years.
• Spectacular Views Worldwide: Skywatchers captured stunning images as the full moon hugged the southern horizon, creating dramatic photo opportunities.
• More to See: Although the peak has passed, the moon will remain nearly full for several nights, offering more chances to enjoy and photograph it.

Last night, the night sky unveiled a truly enchanting sight. The full moon—known as the Strawberry Moon—rose low and bright along the southern horizon, mesmerizing skywatchers across the globe. But this wasn’t just any full moon. What unfolded above us was a rare cosmic ballet that hadn’t been seen with such intensity in nearly two decades.

While many marveled at the glowing orb without knowing its deeper significance, astronomers and night-sky enthusiasts recognized it immediately: this was the lowest full moon since 2007, thanks to a fascinating phenomenon called the major lunar standstill.

A Rare Lunar Tilt and a Unique Perspective

Every 18.6 years, the moon’s path around Earth tilts more than usual in what’s called a major lunar standstill. It’s a slow, quiet shift—nothing like a solar eclipse or meteor shower—but it changes the way we see the moon. When this tilt aligns with certain times of the year, it makes the moon’s journey through the sky unusually extreme. It rises and sets in places we’re not used to seeing, and it travels either very high or very low in the sky depending on the season.

Because this year’s Strawberry Moon occurred close to the southern solstice, the moon’s path was already naturally low for those in the Northern Hemisphere. The standstill exaggerated this effect dramatically. Instead of hovering high above the rooftops, it hugged the horizon, giving moon gazers an unusually intimate view.

For some, this made the moon appear larger, as our brains interpret low-lying celestial objects as bigger—a psychological trick known as the “moon illusion.” For others, especially photographers, the low arc allowed for stunning landscape compositions that aren’t usually possible with a higher moon.

The Sweet Name with Ancient Roots

Despite its rosy name, the Strawberry Moon isn’t pink or red. The name dates back to the Algonquian tribes of North America, who used the lunar cycle to mark seasons and important natural events. The June full moon signaled the short, intense strawberry-picking season in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. Over time, the name stuck—and while the moon itself might be pale gold or silver, the name still brings a touch of summer sweetness.

Europeans, on the other hand, sometimes called it the Rose Moon or Honey Moon, reflecting both the color of the moon at this time of year and ancient wedding traditions that favored June. No matter the name, people throughout history have attached deep meaning to the first full moon of summer.

A Global Gaze: Awe, Wonder, and a Flood of Photos

As the moon crept low across the sky, cameras clicked from balconies, beaches, hilltops, and backyards. Social media lit up with breathtaking images of the moon nestled between skyscrapers, glowing behind mountain peaks, or casting long reflections over calm lakes. Some viewers described it as “eerie,” “romantic,” or “unlike any moon I’ve ever seen.”

For astrophotographers, this was a moment they’d been planning for months. The unusual angle created a perfect chance to capture the moon with earthly landmarks—something that’s hard to achieve with a higher moon. Some shots went viral within hours, showing the moon framed by ancient ruins, city skylines, or even herds of grazing animals.

But not everyone was prepared. In major cities, light pollution dimmed the view. In others, clouds spoiled the show entirely. Frustrated stargazers took to comment sections to express disappointment. “Waited all night and saw nothing but fog,” one user in San Francisco wrote. Others in Los Angeles and parts of Europe shared similar complaints. The rare lunar event proved once again that nature doesn’t always perform on cue.

Not Over Yet: A Chance to Catch the Glow

If you missed last night’s lunar magic, don’t despair. While the full moon peaked on June 11, it remains nearly full for several days. The moon will slowly begin to wane over the weekend, transitioning into a gibbous phase. Though it won’t be quite as round or bright, the next few nights still offer beautiful opportunities to take in its glow—especially just after moonrise when it still appears close to the horizon.

Astronomers suggest heading out just after sunset, away from city lights if possible. Even smartphone cameras, with a steady hand or tripod, can capture some of the lunar magic if the sky cooperates.

And for those who want to dig deeper, this is also a great time to observe features on the moon’s surface. As it begins to wane, shadows return to its craters and mountains, making textures and ridges pop in high detail—perfect for a telescope or even binoculars.

A Look Ahead: Celestial Highlights Still to Come

Though the Strawberry Moon was the headline act this week, 2025 still has plenty of sky spectacles in store. July brings the Buck Moon, and August will offer two full moons—one of which will be a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.

The next major lunar standstill won’t peak again until 2043, making this year’s moon particularly special. While these events may not always grab headlines like solar eclipses or meteor showers, they offer a quieter, more meditative kind of wonder—one that rewards those who take the time to look up and notice.

As one stargazer on X (formerly Twitter) put it, “The world is so loud right now. But the moon? She just shows up, quietly stunning, doing her own thing.”

And last night, she certainly did.