Friday, June 09, will be coming with a special treat for sky gazers as those interested will be able to spot and observe the Strawberry Moon. June’s full moon is known under a variety of names, but one of its most common appellation, the minimoon, comes from its particular position in its orbit.
For the first and only time in the year, the full moon in June will look slightly smaller than usual and significantly so when compared to a supermoon.
The Strawberry Moon, the Honey Moon, and Importantly, the Minimoon
This “Strawberry Moon” is also known as the “Honey Moon” thanks to its possible amber color. It is also called the “Rose Moon” or the “Planting Moon”. Most of these appellations come from Native American people, who used them to keep track of the changing month. However, they differ according to the local environment and customs and culture.
For example, Strawberry Moon comes from the native people living in Northeast U.S. This is the season in which wild strawberries ripened in their region. The Cherokees call this the “Green Corn Moon” as this is its growing season.
But its being known as the minimoon comes from the Moon’s orbit. In June, the full moon coincides or is near its apogee. It means that the natural satellite is at the farthest point in its orbit from Earth. This causes it to appear slightly smaller than it usually is. Also, minimoons may also seem a little less luminous when compared to most full moons.
The micromoon is also up to 14 percent smaller when compared to a supermoon. This latter occurs as the Moon is at its perigee, which means that the natural satellite is at its closest orbit point to Earth.
“The difference between the largest and smallest full moon is only 4 arcminutes, near the limit of what the naked eye can detect,” stated Ernie Wright, from the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio.
June’s full moon will reach its fullest phase at 1309 GMT or 09:09 a.m. Those wishing to make the most of this event are advised to check a moonset and moonrise calculator. The Strawberry Moon will be best seen in continental U.S. in the evening before and after its fullest phase.
Image Source: Flickr
Roxanne Briean
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