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The night sky in June 2025 is set to dazzle with a series of breathtaking astronomical events. From the charming Full Strawberry Moon to a rare Triple Conjunction, the Summer Solstice, and a breathtaking Moon-Pleiades encounter, this month offers skywatchers a treasure trove of celestial wonders.
1. June 11, 2025: Full Strawberry Moon – The Last Full Moon of Spring
What Is the Strawberry Moon?
The Full Strawberry Moon marks the final full moon of spring, rising on June 11, 2025, at 3:44 AM Eastern Time (08:44 GMT).
- Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
- Named by Native American tribes (Algonquin, Ojibwe, and others) to signify the ripening of wild strawberries in early summer.
- In Europe, it’s also called the Rose Moon or Honey Moon.
Best Time to See It
- Visibility: The moon will appear full for about three days, from June 10 to June 12.
- Optimal Viewing: Look east just after sunset for the most dramatic and largest-appearing moon due to the “Moon Illusion” effect.
Photography Tips
- Use a telephoto lens (200mm or more) for detailed shots.
- Capture the moon near landmarks for stunning compositions.
- Shoot during “golden hour” (just after sunset) for warm, soft lighting.
2. June 19, 2025: Triple Conjunction – A Rare Planetary Alignment
What Is a Triple Conjunction?
A triple conjunction occurs when three celestial bodies (usually the Moon and two planets) appear close together in the sky.
- Expected Alignment:
- The Moon will line up with Jupiter and Mars (and possibly Venus) in the early morning sky, creating a beautiful celestial gathering before sunrise.
- Best viewed just before sunrise (around 4:30 AM local time).
Why Is This Event Special?
- Conjunctions with multiple bright planets don’t happen often, and when they do, they’re truly a spectacular sight in the sky.
- Perfect for astrophotography and naked-eye viewing.
How to Spot It
- Look toward the eastern horizon.
- Use a star map app (like SkySafari or Stellarium) for exact positioning.
3. June 21, 2025: Summer Solstice – The Longest Day of the Year
What Is the Summer Solstice?
The Summer Solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the official start of summer.
- Date & Time:
- June 21, 2025 (exact time varies by location).
- In New York, the sun will set at 8:31 PM, providing nearly 15 hours of daylight.
Key Facts About the Solstice
- Longest day, shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The Sun stands directly above the Tropic of Cancer (at 23.5° North), signaling the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Within the Arctic Circle, the Sun never sets during this time—bringing 24 hours of daylight, also known as the Midnight Sun.
Cultural Significance
- Celebrated as Midsummer in Scandinavian cultures.
- Stonehenge gatherings in England, where the sunrise aligns perfectly with the ancient stones.
4. June 22, 2025: Moon Meets the Pleiades (Seven Sisters)
What Are the Pleiades?
The Pleiades (M45) is a brilliant star cluster in the constellation Taurus, often known as the “Seven Sisters” due to its seven brightest stars visible to the naked eye.
The Event: A Close Encounter
- The waning gibbous Moon will pass within 1 degree of the Pleiades.
- Best viewed after midnight in the eastern sky.
Viewing Tips
- Using binoculars or a small telescope can greatly enhance your view, revealing more stars and detail in clusters like the Pleiades.
- Look for the blue-hued stars of the Pleiades near the Moon.
5. Full Moon Calendar 2025 – Dates, Names, and Times
Here’s a complete list of all full moons in 2025, along with their traditional names:
| Date | Moon Name | U.S. Eastern Time | GMT Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13 | Wolf Moon | 5:27 P.M. | 22:27 |
| Feb 12 | Snow Moon | 8:53 A.M. | 13:53 |
| Mar 14 | Worm Moon | 2:55 A.M. | 07:55 |
| Apr 12 | Pink Moon | 8:22 P.M. | 01:22 (Apr 13) |
| May 12 | Flower Moon | 12:56 P.M. | 17:56 |
| Jun 11 | Strawberry Moon | 3:44 A.M. | 08:44 |
| Jul 10 | Buck Moon | 4:37 P.M. | 21:37 |
| Aug 9 | Sturgeon Moon | 3:55 A.M. | 08:55 |
| Sep 7 | Corn Moon | 2:09 P.M. | 19:09 |
| Oct 6 | Harvest Moon | 11:48 P.M. | 04:48 (Oct 7) |
| Nov 5 | Beaver Moon | 8:19 A.M. | 13:19 |
| Dec 4 | Cold Moon | 6:14 P.M. | 23:14 |
Fun Moon Facts
- Blue Moons happen when there are 13 full moons in a single year instead of the usual 12. The next one will appear in 2026.
- The March 14, 2025, Worm Moon was also a total lunar eclipse visible in North America.
6. Best Stargazing Tips for June 2025
1. Find a Dark Sky Location
- Use light pollution maps to locate the best spots.
2. Use the Right Gear
- Binoculars (7×50 or 10×50) for deep-sky objects.
- Telescopes (6-inch or larger) for planetary details.
3. Check the Weather
- Apps like Clear Outside or Astrospheric predict cloud cover.
4. Capture the Moment
- Smartphone astrophotography tips:
- Use a tripod and long exposure mode.
- Apps like NightCap or ProCam help with manual settings.
