Aside from the debut of the Strawberry Moon, this year’s special full moon event will also be accompanied by Mercury and Mars. The peak of the full moon will be visible depending on the time zone.

The Strawberry Moon got its name from the Native American Algonquin tribes in North America. For them, the arrival of the full moon during this time of the year signifies the beginning of the wild strawberry harvest.

In other parts of the world, the Strawberry Moon is referred to as Mead Moon, Honey Moon, Long Night Moon or Cold Moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The best time to view the Strawberry Moon will vary depending on the time zone. For those in the Eastern time zone of the U.S., the peak of the full moon will occur on June 17 at 4:30 a.m. For those in the Pacific time zone in the West Coast, the peak will happen at 1:30 a.m.

Other countries that share the same time zone as New Delhi, India will be able to watch the peak of the Strawberry Moon at 2 p.m.

According to meteorologist Judson Jones, viewing the Strawberry Moon while it’s still rising will make it appear bigger.

“My favorite time to watch the full moon is as it is rising over the eastern horizon,” she told CNN. “When the Moon is low on the horizon, it allows you to capture the view with objects in the foreground, making the moon appear bigger.”

Aside from the Strawberry Moon, sky gazers will also be treated with the appearance of other celestial bodies such as Mars and Mercury. According to NASA, these two planets will appear on the evening of the full moon on June 17 in the west-northwest horizon. They will be about a degree from each other and around five degrees from the horizon.

Those who will be watching the night sky will probably be able to spot Mercury first since it will be brighter than Mars. On the evening of June 18, Mercury and Mars will appear closer to each other at only about a third of a degree apart.

full moon
An image of one full side of the moon. NASA
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