Summer is finally upon us and summer solstice 2016 has officially arrived on Monday, June 20. But what makes this day extraordinary is that for the first time in a very long time we get to experience an astrological phenomenon and that is the joining of Strawberry Moon and the summer solstice.
What is Strawberry Moon and summer solstice?
Solstice is the start of summer and it is dubbed as the longest day of the year with more or less 17 hours of light, reports Independent.
The site noted that summer solstice "comes from the Latin solstitium meaning 'sun stands still,' It happens because the sun stops heading north at the Tropic of Cancer and then returns back southwards."
This year, summer solstice brings a rare event in the night's sky called "Strawberry Moon."
Strawberry Moon is the name called for June's full moon. Strawberry Moon happens very rarely but this year it coincides with summer solstice.
Why is it called Strawberry Moon?
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the Strawberry Moon was given that name by the Algonquin tribes because it occurs at the time of the season when strawberries are harvested.
In Europe, Strawberry Moon is also called the Rose Moon, Mead Moon, and Honey Moon.
Despite the name, Strawberry Moon is not a pink moon. The Strawberry Moon glows golden like the sun but with a more amber color.
#StrawberryMoon over #Berlin! Good night and see you all soon again! pic.twitter.com/WjLvQdOGEF
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) June 20, 2016
When will we experience Strawberry Moon again?
Hollywood Life reports that we won't be seeing the Strawberry Moon until June 21, 2062.
The site stated that "the phases of the moon recur every 19 years. In 2035, the full moon will hit one day before the solstice."
The last time Strawberry Moon and summer solstice joined forces was in 1967. Making this year's Strawberry Moon special and something to remember.
