Strawberry Moon to light up Telangana skies on June 29; best viewing between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm

The annual Strawberry Moon will be visible over Telangana on June 29, offering skywatchers a chance to witness a golden-orange full moon. The event also marks the year's final micromoon, with the best viewing expected between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

Hyderabad: Here is something to look forward to for stargazers and the general public in Telangana. On the evening of June 29 and into the early hours of June 30, residents can witness the annual ‘Strawberry Moon’, appearing in a striking avatar of amber, honey-gold or warm orange glow right after moonrise.

While the moon is expected to reach its full illumination stage around 5:27 am on June 30, amateur celestial gazers can experience the most stunning visual of the moon on Monday evening.

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While the term ‘Strawberry Moon’ is inherited from Native American harvest calendars, to mark the occasion when strawberries are ripe for gathering, the moon does not actually turn red. However, due to its low trajectory, the moon actually treats observers to a striking amber, honey-gold, or warm orange glow after moonrise. The unique atmospheric scattering of light makes the ‘strawberry’ moniker feel accurate to anyone watching the spectacle from their rooftop. Also, this full moon is also the final ‘micro moon’ of the year.

In June, the moon hits its farthest point from Earth, appearing roughly ten percent smaller and about 15 percent less bright than an average full moon.

For astronomy lovers intending to capture/observe the celestial event, timing could be critical, as there is a possibility of dark rain bearing clouds spoiling the experience. If the weather is conducive and the sky is clear, people can check out the unique celestial event from balconies/ terraces between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm on Monday night, when the moon’s golden coloration remains at its peak intensity.