Strawberry Moon, Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: Sky Events To Watch Out For On Friday

The full “Strawberry Moon” will rise on Friday (June 5) along with the penumbral lunar eclipse. It is the last full moon of the spring and, no matter what people call it, they will have ample time to enjoy the view.

On Friday at 3.12 p.m. ET, June’s full moon will appear opposite the Sun. Technically, this phase of the moon happens for just a few moments, but, here on Earth, it appears full for several days. According to NASA, the moon will appear this way for about three days, starting from early Thursday morning until early Sunday morning.

The “Strawberry Moon,” described so by the Algonquin tribes because it appeared during the time of the fruit’s harvest in the northeastern United States, says The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Full moon names used to help people track the seasons.

Other names for the coming full moon include the Honey Moon or Mead Moon. The name Honey Moon possibly came about because it is around the end of June that the honey harvest is ready. The name Mead Moon comes from mead, a drink that’s created by combining honey with water.

Another name for June’s full moon is Rose Moon. It comes from the roses that bloom late in the month, although some have said it derived the name from the reddish color of the full moon at this time of year.

The Strawberry Moon also coincides with the partial penumbral lunar eclipse. The eclipse marks the start of the second eclipse season in 2020, and will occur from 5.45 p.m. UT (1.45 p.m ET) to 9.04 p.m. UT (5.04 p.m. ET) on June 5.

According to NASA, the moon will not be in the sky in most of the Americas during the eclipse. However, people who can see the moon may notice only a slight dimming with the use of instruments. It will not be a very noticeable eclipse, but, mid-eclipse, the moon may have a tea-colored appearance instead of the usual bright white.

Those who want to watch the eclipse, but are not in an optimal location can watch livestreams. The Virtual Telescope Project, which will stream the eclipse as seen from Italy, is one great way to see it all.

Although the sky event may not be as showstopper, many can still enjoy viewing the Strawberry Moon as it will be the last full moon of spring before the summer solstice on June 20.