The full Moon will reach its peak in the early hours of Tuesday (Image: Getty)
Sky-gazers will be able to catch a beautiful glimpse of the Strawberry Moon, which is set to rise above the West Country tonight. This will make the full Moon of the Summer.
According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Moon will reach its peak in the early hours of Tuesday. The full Moon on Tuesday, June 30, will differ from others in the calendar year as it is in the lowest-hanging position, which creates the illusion of a larger moon. While the Strawberry Moon is always the lowest of the year, tonight’s Moon promises to be an incredible spectacle, as it will be the lowest-hanging until 2043, coming at the low point of an 18.6-year cycle of extreme rising and setting points.
Why is it called a Strawberry Moon?
Despite being called “Strawberry Moon”, Earth’s satellite will not actually appear pink or red tonight.
Instead, the name relates to the time of year when it rises, specifically marking the season associated with early summer.
In North America, the harvesting of strawberries in June gives that month’s full moon its name.
Europeans have dubbed it the rose moon, while other areas in the world named it the hot moon, linked to the beginning of the summer heat.
Full June Moon in London (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Where is best to see the Strawberry Moon?
Several elevated locations around and beyond Bristol provide excellent vantage points for viewing the Moon and capturing scenic photographs.
Spots such as Dundry Hill just outside the city, Troopers Hill in St George, and Perrett’s Park near Knowle all offer sweeping views across both the urban landscape and surrounding countryside. Closer to the city centre, places like Brandon Hill at the top of Park Street, Clifton Observatory, and the Harbourside are ideal for photographers looking to frame the Moon alongside iconic landmarks.
For waterside scenery, Severn Beach in South Gloucestershire offers a striking view of the Moon rising over the water. Further afield, higher ground such as Robinswood Hill near Gloucester and Pan Tod Beacon in the Forest of Dean also provide impressive panoramic views.
In Somerset, Glastonbury Tor is a standout choice, where the Moon can be seen rising behind the landmark or stretching out over the surrounding countryside if you climb to the top. Meanwhile, in Wiltshire, scenic locations like Stonehenge, the Westbury White Horse, Cherhill White Horse near Calne, and Heaven’s Gate in Warminster all present picturesque settings for Moon-watching.
This full Moon differs from others in the calendar year as it is in the lowest-hanging position (Image: Getty)
When is the next full moon in the UK?
The buck moon on July 29 (3.36pm)
The sturgeon moon on August 28 (5.18am)
The harvest moon on September 26 (5.49pm)
The hunter’s moon on October 26 (4.12am)
The beaver moon on November 24 (2.53pm)
The cold moon on December 24 (1.28am)
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