Look up at the sky tonight for a glimpse of the Strawberry Moon
Posted Jun 9, 2017 03:46:42 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It only happens once in a blue moon, and it’s happening Friday night.
The Strawberry Moon rises at twilight, and will share the sky with Saturn.
Victor Aurora with the University of Waterloo tells us if you’re able to observe the Strawberry Moon this evening, don’t expect shades of red or pink to light up the night sky. It’s the nickname given to the June full moon because strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in early summer.
“The moon won’t look any different than it normally does,” he says. But it’s a coincidence that this year’s Strawberry Moon happens to be placed in the sky in the same direction as Saturn.
“The planet Saturn will be just to the right of the full moon,” says Aurora. “So if you’ve never had an opportunity to see or identify Saturn with the naked eye, just look for a reasonably bright point of light about four or five moon-widths away from the full moon itself.”
He adds the Strawberry Moon also happens to coincide with what’s called a micromoon, so our nearest neighbour in space will appear to be smaller than your average full moon and a bit fainter.
As for when you’ll be able to view the full moon? Anytime after sunset.
“If you have a clear view of the horizon, you will be able to observe the moon rising just as the sun sets,” Aurora says. “But most other places, about an hour or two after sunset if you take a look, you should be able to easily spot the full moon and Saturn along with it.”
