June 2026 Strawberry Moon: Low, Small Micro Moon

On June 29 2026 the Moon, the Strawberry Moon, will be a micro moon—the third and final of the year. Peak illumination is at 7:56 p.m. ET. The Moon rises in the southeast just after sunset, arcs across the southern sky, and sets in the southwest before sunrise. Since the peak occurs during daylight for most of North America, the viewing time is after sunset.

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A micro moon occurs when the Moon is at apogee, its farthest point from Earth, due to its elliptical orbit alternating perigee and apogee. At apogee the Moon appears about 7 % smaller than a typical full moon and 14 % smaller than a supermoon. The June full moon also appears low because the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun during the summer solstice, positioning the Moon opposite the Sun and lower on the horizon.

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At apogee the Moon’s apparent diameter is about 7 % smaller than a typical full moon and 14 % smaller than a supermoon. The June 29 event is the lowest-positioned full moon of the year, due to Earth’s axial tilt during the summer solstice.

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Despite its reduced size and low trajectory, the Strawberry Moon remains the brightest object in the night sky. Its low altitude may hinder observers in tree-dense or urban areas, requiring a southern horizon or a walk to an unobstructed spot. The event shows how orbital dynamics and Earth’s tilt produce variations in lunar appearance.

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NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) confirms the June 29 Strawberry Moon will be the final micro moon of 2026. JPL notes the Moon’s smaller apparent size and low horizon are natural consequences of apogee and Earth’s tilt during the summer solstice, but it will remain readily identifiable.

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Some observers report difficulty locating the Moon behind trees or buildings due to its low altitude. The reduced size may also disappoint casual viewers expecting a larger, brighter disc.

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• “June's Strawberry Moon is a great example of this variation.” — CNET, Staff

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• “A micro moon occurs when a full Moon or a new Moon happens at the same time the Moon is at apogee, its farthest point in orbit from Earth.” — CNET, Staff

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• “Since the moon is in apogee, it's approximately 7% smaller than it would normally appear during a typical full moon and about 14% smaller than a supermoon.” — CNET, Staff

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• “The full moon is still easy to find and the brightest thing in the night sky, but you may have to walk around the block to see it behind the trees in your neighborhood.” — CNET, Staff

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