
The Strawberry Moon is Coming to Shreveport-Bossier – Here’s When to Look
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by space. Whether it's aliens, the moon or whatever, I've been into it. From going to Sci-Port to learn about the stars to begging for a telescope for my birthday, I've just always been into it. If you're into the stars and celestial events, tonight is the night for you. The 'Strawberry Moon' will be extremely visible this evening to anyone looking at the sky.
Shreveport-Bossier's Reddish Strawberry Moon Explained
Every year, we get a 'Strawberry Moon'. According to the Farmer's Almanac, June's full moon is typically the last full moon of spring or the first of the summer season. Yes, the 'Strawberry Moon', does occasionally have kind of a reddish-pink hue to it due to it being lower to the horizon. But that's not why it's called a Strawberry moon.
It was actually named by Native American tribes who stated this particular moon marked the ripening of berries for harvest.
Lowest Full Moon in Almost 20 Years Over Shreveport-Bossier
This year's Strawberry moon will be at it's lowest point since 2006. According to EarthSky, we're in a "Major Lunar Standstill". Which basically means, due to the pull of the sun and some other factors, the moon's orbit is impacted. We go through a cycle like this roughly ever 18.6 years.
So, basically, because of this cycle, the sun appears higher in the sky and the moon appears lower.
There's a lot of technical stuff on EarthSky about why things happen the way they do, but this video from the Archeoastronomy Database does a good job explaining it all in terms even blockheads like me can understand.
When to See the Strawberry Moon in Shreveport-Bossier
Now, if you want to check out the Strawberry moon, you can see it as soon as the moon comes out tonight (June 10th). According to the Farmer's Almanac, sunset will happen around 8:22 tonight. So, you'll be able check out this beautiful moon shortly afterwards.
However, if you want to see the Strawberry moon in all it's glory, the Farmer's Almanac says it'll reach peak illumination on June 11th at 2:46 am. So, it'll be an early morning to witness a stunning sight that we won't see again for another 2 decades.
Lunar Rainbow: Why the Moon Changes Colors, Explained
Gallery Credit: Phylicia Peterson, Townsquare Media Laramie/Cheyenne