Peak viewing time for the ‘strawberry’ moon in Kentucky (+ how it got its name)
Kentucky stargazers will soon have a chance to see the first full moon of the summer, the “strawberry moon,” peak.
The strawberry moon marks the peak of strawberry harvest season, and the name is attributed to the Algonquian, Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota peoples, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The name does not refer to a pink or red colored appearance of the moon.
More names for June’s full moon include blooming moon (attributed to the Anishinaabe), green corn moon (Cherokee), hoer moon (Western Abenaki), birth moon (Tlingit), egg laying moon (Cree), hatching moon (Cree), honey moon (European) and mead moon (European).
Best time to see the ‘strawberry’ moon
The strawberry moon will peak at 7:57 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Monday, June 29, according to astronomy publication Space.com, although you will likely get a better view later that night.
The sun will set over Lexington at 9:04 p.m. June 29, online clock Time and Date reports, while moonrise will occur at 9:20 p.m.
The night of June 29 is expected to be partly cloudy, warm and humid in Lexington, according to AccuWeather’s forecast. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak, as well.
Summer has officially begun after the solstice occurred Sunday, June 21, and Lexington-Fayette will see daylight hours gradually become shorter until the winter solstice in December.
More full moons in 2026
After the strawberry moon in June, stargazers will have six more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
- Wednesday, July 29: Buck moon
- Friday, Aug. 28: Sturgeon moon and partial lunar eclipse
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Corn moon
- Monday, Oct. 26: Hunter’s moon
- Tuesday, Nov. 24: Beaver moon (supermoon)
- Wednesday, Dec. 23: Cold moon (supermoon)
For those interested in gathering with other stargazers, the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club will host a stargazing event July 11 at Raven Run and another July 18 at Shaker Village. Organizers recommend attendees confirm the event is still planned the day-of, as weather cancellations are common.
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