‘Strawberry Moon’ 2026: when Ukrainians will be able to see the June full moon
This is according to Forbes.
When to observe the ‘Strawberry Moon’
The full moon will reach its peak at around 02:58 Kyiv time on 30 June. However, astronomers say the best time to view it is on the evening of 29 June — immediately after sunset.
The Moon will rise above the south-eastern horizon and will be very low above the ground, making it particularly spectacular.
Why it will be a ‘micro-moon’
This year’s June full moon coincides with the Moon being near its apogee — the point in its orbit furthest from Earth.
As a result, the Moon will appear approximately 12–14 per cent smaller and slightly dimmer than a typical full Moon. According to astronomers’ estimates, this will be the second-smallest full Moon of 2026.
Why the Moon will appear huge
Despite its status as a micro-moon, it will look considerably larger at moonrise.
The reason is the so-called ‘moon illusion’. According to NASA, the human brain perceives the Moon as larger when there are trees, houses or other objects nearby against which its size can be compared.
Furthermore, as light passes through a thicker layer of the atmosphere near the horizon, the Moon often takes on a warm yellow or orange hue.
Why is the full moon called the ‘Strawberry Moon’?
The name has nothing to do with the colour of the Moon.
It derives from the traditional name for the June full moon among North American Indigenous tribes, for whom this period coincided with the strawberry and wild strawberry harvest season.
In various cultures, this full moon is also known as the Green Corn Moon, the Hot Moon or the Ripe Berry Moon.
The next full moon will rise on 29 July 2026. It is traditionally known as the Deer Moon.
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