During the night of Wednesday, June 11, and coinciding with the week before San Juan, the last full moon of spring will be visible in Seville. Due to a closer approach of the moon to the earth, and if the weather allows it, this Wednesday we will have a bigger and brighter image of the satellite, thus offering us what is called “strawberry moon”.
Those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it will see it much lower in the sky, immense and tinged with a reddish hue, a phenomenon that will not happen again until 2043.
The origin of the name
Most of the names of these phenomena refer to their characteristics or to the agricultural seasons in which they occur. In this particular case, the so-called “strawberry moon” alludes to the time when several Native American peoples picked strawberries.
In Europe, however, it is also known as the “honeymoon”, since in this geographical area it was then when the strawberry was ripe and ready to harvest.
Therefore, and despite what it may seem, this astronomical phenomenon does not refer to its color. However, as the NASA website points out, there are times when the moon may have a pinkish hue due to a slightly lower position of our satellite than usual.
This happens in years when the supermoon occurs at the end of June, so this time it seems that its name will be due only to the aforementioned agricultural campaign.
When will the “strawberry moon” be seen?
The “Honey Moon”, this redder-than-usual moon, could already be observed at some points on the night of June 10, although it will reach its greatest splendor tonight after sunset.
Specifically, the phenomenon is expected to occur around 21:25 and 22:00 hours, having in Seville greater visibility at around 21:49.
In any case, the forecasts of the State Meteorological Agency foresee overcast sky in the period between nine and ten o’clock at night.
Where to see this imposing moon
Although it could be seen with the naked eye, it is recommended to approach points of low light pollution for better vision. For example, some beaches or coves away from the city or mountainous areas away from the Andalusian capital, especially elevated areas.
For this purpose are infallible the so-called Starlight Reserves, committed to the defense of the night sky and facilitate the contemplation of the stars, either for scientific, natural or cultural reasons.
As far as Seville is concerned, ideal spaces are the Guadalquivir or the surroundings of the Aljarafe.