Skygazers around the globe were treated to a breathtaking celestial display on June 10-11, 2025, as the full moon graced the night sky. This particular full moon, traditionally known as the Strawberry Moon, put on a spectacular show, especially noteworthy for its unusually low trajectory.
What is a Strawberry Moon?
The name “Strawberry Moon” is rooted in the traditions of the Algonquin tribes in the northeastern United States. It signals the time of year when wild strawberries reach their peak ripeness and are ready for harvesting. While this is the most common name, other cultures have their own terms; for instance, the Cherokee have historically referred to this full moon as the Green Corn Moon.
A Rare Low-Riding Spectacle
While every full moon is a beautiful sight, the June 2025 Strawberry Moon held a unique distinction. It appeared unusually low in the sky, marking the lowest full moon observed in approximately 18 years. This striking feature was a highlight for observers across the Northern Hemisphere.
But what made this year’s full moon appear so remarkably low on the horizon? This rare positioning was amplified by a significant astronomical event known as a major lunar standstill. Over roughly an 18.6-year cycle, the moon’s orbit reaches its maximum tilt relative to Earth’s celestial equator. During a major lunar standstill, the moon’s path across the sky becomes much more extreme, causing it to appear exceptionally high in the winter months and exceptionally low in the summer months, amplifying the natural seasonal variation. The June full moon’s timing coincided perfectly with this standstill phase, resulting in a “once-in-two-decades” low-riding display. Reports also suggested that this closer proximity made the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual for some observers.
A Global Photo Gallery
The visual drama of the low-hanging Strawberry Moon captivated people worldwide, inspiring photographers to capture its journey. From ancient ruins to modern cityscapes and serene natural settings, the moon served as a stunning backdrop. Its low position near the horizon often lent it warm, golden, or even reddish hues as its light passed through a thicker layer of Earth’s atmosphere before transitioning to a brilliant silver as it climbed slightly higher.
Below is a collection of dazzling photographs showcasing this memorable celestial event from different corners of the globe. The images capture the moon rising behind iconic landmarks, silhouetted against diverse landscapes, and observed by people reveling in the rare sight. They serve as a testament to the widespread interest and the undeniable beauty of the 2025 Strawberry Moon.
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A person plays the violin as the full moon appears over Halabja, Iraq on June 10, 2025.
Ahsan Mohammed/Anadolu via Getty Images
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The full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon rises over Liverpool, England.
Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images
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The strawberry Moon rises in the sky behind the 5th century B.C. Parthenon temple at the ancient Acropolis hill, in Athens, Greece.
Petros Giannakouris/AP
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The full Strawberry Moon rises behind the Empire State Building in New York City, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey.
Gary Hershorn/Corbis News via Getty Images
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An aircraft passes in front of the full moon, known as the ‘Strawberry Moon’ over Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images
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The full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon rises over St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay.
Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images
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The moon can be seen behind the roof of a house on the night of June 10-11. It’s a rare celestial phenomenon known as the strawberry moon. The full moon is then unusually low in the sky – as low as it was 18 years ago.
Markus Lenhardt/picture alliance via Getty Images
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The strawberry moon rises behind a tower at a marina in the southeast resort town of Ayia Napa in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
Petros Karadjias//AP
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A picture shows the moon over Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel near the Gaza border on June 10, 2025.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
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A ferris wheel is seen in front of the full moon in Duhok, Iraq on June 10, 2025.
Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The Strawberry Moon appears behind clouds in Tangunan Village, Mojokerto, East Java Province, Indonesia.
WF Sihardian/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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A couple watches the strawberry full moon rise at Williamstown Beach. The moon illuminated the night sky over the beach in Melbourne, Australia, attracting many to observe the rare event. The June full moon, traditionally called the strawberry moon, signals the time of strawberry harvesting. This year’s moon appeared approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth.
Ye Myo Khant/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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More than just a beautiful sight, the 2025 Strawberry Moon offered a rare astronomical event tied to a major lunar standstill, making it the lowest full moon many observers had seen in nearly two decades. It was a global reminder of the dynamic and often spectacular nature of our solar system.
