The 'Strawberry Moon,' June's full moon, will reach its peak tonight, Monday, June 29, at 7:56 p.m. ET. Despite its name, the moon will not appear red or strawberry-colored; the moniker derives from Native American traditions marking the ripening of strawberries around this time of year.
According to sources, the name was used by tribes including the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Chippewa, Oneida, and Sioux. The Old Farmer's Almanac helped cement the name for modern audiences. Alternative names for this celestial event include the Rose Moon, Blackberry Moon, and Hot Moon.
In 2026, the Strawberry Moon is the first full moon following the Summer Solstice. This timing influences the moon's arc across the sky, though specific visual effects were not detailed in provided sources.
The phenomenon was whimsically referenced by John Lennon in the Beatles' 1967 song "Strawberry Fields Forever," a track dealing with themes of identity and belonging. The full moon is expected to appear full for the next few days.
Counter to any expectation set by the "Strawberry" name, viewers should not anticipate a red or pink hue. The name is cultural, not descriptive of the moon's appearance.