Toronto to Witness Rare Strawberry Moon: A Celestial Event

As June approaches, Toronto residents can anticipate a rare astronomical event: the Strawberry Moon. This full moon, occurring on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, is expected to appear larger and lower on the horizon than usual, marking it as the lowest full moon since 2006. The Strawberry Moon, a term originating from the Algonquin tribes, signifies the time for harvesting wild strawberries in North America.

The significance of this year’s Strawberry Moon lies in its unique positioning near a major lunar standstill, which occurs in cycles of 18.6 years. According to Ilana MacDonald, a public outreach strategist at the University of Toronto’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, this phenomenon results in the moon appearing particularly low in the sky.

"Full moons are named based on the activities or natural events characteristic of that month," MacDonald explained. Other names for this lunar event include the Rose Moon and the Honeymoon, alluding to the various cultural associations with the June season.

The Strawberry Moon will be visible across the Greater Toronto Area, provided the weather permits. The Environment Canada forecast predicts partially cloudy skies, which may affect visibility. The moon is expected to rise in the southeast shortly after sunset at around 9:30 p.m. and will reach its peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. before setting in the southwest around 5 a.m.

Unique to this year, the moon may also exhibit a reddish tint due to atmospheric scattering, a phenomenon that occurs when celestial bodies are near the horizon. Jan Cami, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University, noted the effects of the atmosphere on the moon's appearance. "The light has to travel through a larger layer of atmosphere when the moon is close to the horizon, which scatters away some of the blue light, giving it a reddish hue," Cami said.

For optimal viewing, Cami recommends finding a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon. He suggests using a camping chair to relax and enjoy the spectacle. However, he cautions that the perceived size of the moon can be an optical illusion; it appears larger near the horizon compared to its size when it is higher in the sky.

This year’s Strawberry Moon is particularly special, as it will not be seen again until 2043. As Torontonians prepare to witness this remarkable event, they are encouraged to share the experience with friends and family, adding a communal aspect to this celestial phenomenon. The Strawberry Moon not only heralds the arrival of summer but also serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms that govern our world, bridging cultural traditions and astronomical science.