June 2026 Strawberry Micromoon: Low-Hanging Full Moon

The Strawberry Moon reaches full phase at 7:58 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 29, 2026, while still below the horizon for observers in North America and Canada. It occurs one day after apogee, classifying it as a micromoon that appears about 12-14 % smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon. Because the Sun is near its highest point after the June solstice, the Moon follows the lowest possible arc, staying close to the southeastern horizon throughout the night. It is the seventh of 13 full moons in 2026 and the second-smallest of the year.

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The name “Strawberry Moon” reflects the traditional June strawberry harvest in parts of North America. TimeAndDate.com also lists the alternatives Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon and Hot Moon.

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2026 contains 13 full moons, three of which are supermoons (January 3, November 24, December 24). The June micromoon is the opposite extreme, being the second-smallest full moon of the year.

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NASA describes the moon illusion as a psychological effect that makes the Moon appear larger near the horizon, even though its size and distance are unchanged. The low altitude of the June Moon amplifies this illusion, especially at moonrise. Observers should seek an elevated, open site with an unobstructed southeastern horizon on the night of June 29, 2026 for the most striking view.

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NASA’s explanation links the illusion to the brain’s interpretation of distance when familiar objects frame the Moon near the horizon. TimeAndDate.com confirms that the “Strawberry Moon” label is based on seasonal harvests, not lunar color.

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• “The full Strawberry Moon will turn full on Monday, June 29, 2026.” — Forbes article

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• “Full moons that coincide with apogee are known as micromoons — the opposite of a supermoon — and appear about 12-14% smaller and dimmer than average.” — Forbes article

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• “June’s Strawberry Moon is the lowest-hanging full moon of 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere because of how the full moon mirrors the sun’s position in the sky.” — Forbes article

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• “According to NASA, it’s a psychological effect in which the moon appears much larger when it’s near the horizon than when it’s high overhead, even though its actual size and distance haven’t changed.” — NASA (as cited)

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The next full moon, the Buck Moon, will appear on July 29, 2026, beginning a series of higher-arc summer moons.

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