Get ready for a stunning celestial event this month! You'll have the chance to see the first full moon of summer, also known as the 'Strawberry Moon' of 2026.
This month, a spectacular cosmic event is on the cards. You'll get to see the 'Strawberry Moon'. Since it rises quite low on the horizon, the moon often appears golden or amber-coloured.
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NASA explains the Strawberry Moon name
Don't be fooled by the name; the moon won't actually look pink or red. NASA says the name 'Full Strawberry Moon' comes from the Algonquin tribes of northeastern USA. They named it so because this full moon appeared in June, right when strawberries were ripe for picking.
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Other Names
The space agency explained that the name 'Strawberry Moon' has been passed down for generations. Other cultures also call it the 'Rose Moon' or 'Honey Moon'. All these names are linked to the harvest time in early summer.
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First full moon after summer solstice arrives
This year's Strawberry Moon is the first full moon after the summer solstice on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of this special timing, it will travel much lower across the sky than any other full moon in 2026, staying close to the southern horizon all night.
The Strawberry Moon will be at its brightest on June 29 at 7:57 PM EDT, which is 5:27 AM on June 30 for us in India (IST). The best time to see it here is on the evening of June 29, just after moonrise. Look towards the south-east horizon around sunset. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, the moon will rise around 7 PM local time.
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Where to spot the Strawberry Moon clearly
The full moon is so bright you can easily see it with your naked eyes. Just find a dark spot with low light pollution and a clear view of the east or south-east horizon. In India, places like Ladakh, Spiti Valley, the Rann of Kutch, and Jaisalmer are perfect for sky-watching. Otherwise, your own building's terrace, a riverbank, or a beach will also do the trick!
