The UK is set to be treated to a spectacular full moon over the weekend, known as the Strawberry Moon.
Although there are sometimes more than 12 full moons in one year, there are 12 popular full moon names corresponding to each monthly full moon.
It’ll be at its brightest in the early hours on Sunday – but how can you see it in all its glory?
And why is is known as a Strawberry Moon? Here’s what you need to know about the phenomenon…
What is a Strawberry Moon?
First things first – it doesn’t mean that the full moon is pink – even if if can sometimes appear that way in the sky – or in any way resembles a strawberry.
Different cultures have assigned a variety of names to full moons across the lunar calendar in history, but the most well-known and commonly used full moon monikers, such as the Strawberry Moon, came from Native American culture.
In the case of the Strawberry Moon, it got its name because in North America strawberry harvesting traditionally takes place in June.
The June moon is also known as the rose moon in some European cultures, which is thought to be taken from the roses that bloom at that time of year.
Other cultures know it as the hot moon because it marks the beginning of the warm summer season.
When is the best time to see the Strawberry Moon?
If you want to see the Strawberry Moon you’ll need to be out and about pretty early on Sunday morning.
According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich the best time to see it will be at 4.41am on Sunday June 4.
However, it will be clear in the sky overnight on Saturday, June 3.
So if you want to get a good view you can step outside any time after the sun sets.
It’ll be your last chance to catch a full moon in the sky until the next full moon – the Buck Moon – on July 3.
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