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The Strawberry Moon Lit Up Skies Across the World This Past Weekend

Credit: Andrew McCarthy (left), Dan Martland (right).

This past weekend, sky watchers and astrophotography enthusiasts were treated to the mesmerizing sight of the “Strawberry Moon,” the full Moon for the month of June. The celestial event, which peaked on Saturday night, provided a stunning display as it cast a warm, golden hue across the night sky.

The term “Strawberry Moon” originates from Native American tribes, who named it to mark the ripening of strawberries, which typically occurs around this time of year. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the moon doesn’t appear pink or red like a strawberry. Instead, it often takes on a slightly rosy or amber color due to its low position in the sky during this time of year.

The Strawberry Moon arrived just one day after the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere which led to some calling it the Strawberry Solstice Moon.

New York City-based photographers Dan Martland and Gary Hershorn were out capturing the Moon set next to the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks. Martland put a very long lens to use to make the Strawberry Moon look extra large behind Manhattan’s skyline.

The Empire State Building illuminated at night with a large red full moon glowing behind it in a dim, hazy sky. Surrounding skyscrapers are also visible, and dark tree silhouettes are in the foreground.
Martland was 12 miles from Midtown to capture these awesome images of the Strawberry Moon. | Dan Martland
A bright orange harvest moon rises over a city skyline at dusk. The cityscape includes various illuminated skyscrapers, with trees in the foreground adding a touch of nature to the urban scene. The sky has a deep, dusky blue tone.
Dan Martland
A large, full moon with a reddish hue rises over the New York City skyline at dusk. Prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building and other illuminated high-rises, stand out against the darkening sky. Trees are visible at the bottom of the image.
Dan Martland

A day earlier, Martland had captured an almost full strawberry Moon behind the Chrysler Building and One Vanderbilt.

The image features the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City, with the full moon aligned perfectly behind its spire. The surrounding skyscrapers and construction cranes are illuminated by the evening light, creating a captivating cityscape.
Dan Martland
A large, glowing full moon is seen resting atop the spire of a modern glass skyscraper during dusk, creating an optical illusion. The building reflects the soft twilight, while the moon's luminous surface stands out against the dusky sky.
Dan Martland
A full moon rises over a cityscape featuring the iconic art deco Chrysler Building and a high-rise with a large purple "W Hotels" sign. The moon appears large in the twilight sky, creating a striking backdrop to the buildings.
Dan Martland
The image shows the full moon rising behind the spire of a modern glass skyscraper, creating an optical illusion where the spire appears to be puncturing the moon. The sky is a dusky twilight shade, giving the scene a serene, ethereal quality.
Dan Martland

Meanwhile, Hershorn captured the Strawberry Moon rising behind the Statue of Liberty as well as a wider shot of people enjoying the celestial show in New Jersey.

A full moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty, casting a dramatic glow around the monument's torch. The night sky is clear, allowing the golden moon to stand out prominently against the silhouette of the statue.
Gary Hershorn
The Statue of Liberty is seen from behind with an illuminated full moon perfectly aligned with the torch she holds high in the sky. The scene is set against a dusk sky, creating a dramatic and captivating view.
Gary Hershorn
A large, bright, full moon sets behind the torch of the Statue of Liberty in this dramatic silhouette. The torch appears in the foreground with the intricate details visible, creating a striking contrast against the glowing backdrop of the moon.
Gary Hershorn
The Statue of Liberty is seen from behind, holding its torch aloft with a full moon perfectly positioned above it, creating the illusion that the moon is being held by the statue. The sky is dusky, adding a dramatic and serene atmosphere to the scene.
Gary Hershorn
A group of people sit and look across the Hudson River at the illuminated New York City skyline at night. The Empire State Building, along with other skyscrapers, stands tall, while a full moon rises in the background, creating a picturesque and vibrant cityscape.
People watch the full Strawberry Moon rise behind the Empire State Building in New York City from Weehawken, NJ, Friday evening. | Gary Hershorn
A nighttime cityscape of New York City, featuring a prominent skyline with the Empire State Building at the center. A large, bright moon appears to be perched atop the building's spire, illuminating the surrounding skyscrapers and reflecting over the water below.
Gary Hershorn

Well-known astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy put together an HDR composite photo of the Strawberry Moon using a 1000mm telephoto lens attached to a DSLR.

A full moon illuminates the night sky, surrounded by twinkling stars. Wispy clouds partially obscure the moon's lower section, adding a touch of mystique to the celestial scene.
McCarthy says it took him “years” to master this HDR technique. | Andrew McCarthy

The Strawberry Moon is not just a visual treat but also holds astronomical significance: It is the last full Moon of the spring season or the first of summer, depending on the timing of the solstice. This year, it marked the first full Moon of summer, which officially began on June 21.

Here are a few fantastic shots PetaPixel spotted on social media.

For those who missed the Strawberry Moon, there is no need for disappointment. The next full Moon, known as the “Buck Moon,” will rise on July 21. It gets its name from the time of year when new antlers emerge on buck deer. This event promises another opportunity to witness the beauty of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.




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