This week, as the Strawberry Moon illuminated the night sky, Greece was treated to a particularly spectacular celestial show, unlike any seen in nearly two decades. The celestial event held a special significance, appearing uniquely low on the horizon due to a rare astronomical phenomenon.
The “Strawberry Moon” derives its charming name from various Native American tribes, signaling the peak season for harvesting wild strawberries. While its moniker might suggest a reddish hue, the moon itself doesn’t inherently change color.
Any warm tones it might acquire, particularly when low in the sky, are a result of its light passing through more of Earth‘s atmosphere, scattering blue light and leaving the reds and oranges.
A full moon rose over the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, Tuesday night.
The spectacle is known as “strawberry moon” due to the time of the year, when wild strawberries were traditionally harvested in European and Native American cultures. pic.twitter.com/roCNGCya5H
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 11, 2025
In Europe, this same June full moon has been known as the “Rose Moon” or “Honey Moon,” each name reflecting the seasonal bounty and traditions of different cultures.
For centuries, the full moon has been a source of wonder and inspiration in Greece, from ancient myths to modern observances. Its cyclical presence marked agricultural rhythms, guided seafarers, and illuminated philosophical contemplation. This year, however, the Strawberry Moon was more than just a beautiful annual recurrence.
What made this week’s Strawberry Moon particularly noteworthy for observers in Greece and indeed, across the Northern Hemisphere, was its coincidence with a “major lunar standstill” or “lunistice.” This fascinating astronomical event occurs only once every 18.6 years.
During a major lunar standstill, the Moon’s orbit reaches its most extreme northern and southern points relative to the Earth’s equator. For those of us in Greece, this meant the Moon appeared exceptionally low in the sky. It was the lowest full moon we’ve seen since 2006, a spectacle that won’t be repeated until 2043. Conversely, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, the Moon would have appeared unusually high.
9 seconds. A helicopter and a plane cross in front of the June strawberry moon. Does this remind you of ET ? pic.twitter.com/OqjCiTY9L1
— Jim Weed (@JimBobW49) June 12, 2025
This unusually low position near the horizon created a striking visual effect. While the “moon illusion” can make any moon appear larger when viewed close to the horizon against terrestrial objects, the extreme low arc of this Strawberry Moon amplified the effect.
Its light had to traverse a greater expanse of our atmosphere, potentially lending it a more pronounced golden or even amber glow as dust and moisture particles scattered the bluer wavelengths.
As the June full moon graced the Greek sky, from the ancient ruins of the Acropolis to the tranquil Aegean islands, it offered a unique reminder of the intricate dance of celestial bodies.
