Full Moon Calendar: June 2024

Gaze skyward and mark your calendars, stargazers! The June 2024 full moon calendar is here, guiding you through the month's celestial highlights. This month sees a "Strawberry Moon" and an impressive lineup of shooting stars.

The June full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, takes its name from Native American traditions. It's a fitting moniker as June is berry season, and this full moon signals the time to harvest these sweet treats. This particular full moon occurs on June 10, 2024.

The Strawberry Moon: A Full Moon Guide

The Strawberry Moon is the sixth of thirteen full moons in 2024, occurring at 09:00 GMT on June 10. This full moon occurs during the peak of strawberry season in the Northern Hemisphere, hence its name.

The Strawberry Moon is also a micro-moon, meaning it's the smallest and furthest full moon of the year, occurring around the apogee— the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit.

Micro-moon Explanation

A micro-moon, or mini-moon, appears a bit smaller and paler than other full moons. It's not significantly different, but the effect is perceivable if you're a seasoned moon watcher.

To note the size difference, compare this full moon with the supermoons that occurred earlier in the year. The Strawberry Moon will appear about 14% smaller, but don't let that deter you from appreciating its unique charm.

Best Viewing and Photography Tips

The Strawberry Moon rises around sunset and remains visible throughout the night for about three days. The night skies in June are amazingly clear after sunset, making it an ideal time for stargazing.

For photography enthusiasts, wait until the moon is high in the sky, around 90 degrees above the horizon, for the best viewing and picture-taking opportunities. Remember to use a tripod and a lens with at least a 50mm focal length to capture the moon's details.

June's Meteor Showers: A Celestial Bonus

June 2024 also brings two meteor showers— the Antihelion and the June Bootids. Although not as well-known as the Perseids or Leonids, these showers offer enchanting night sky experiences.

Although the Antihelion meteor showers peak on June 1, 2024, the June Bootids peak on June 27, 2024. Both showers are known for producing a few bright fireballs, making them worth staying up to watch.

The Antihelion Meteor Shower

The Antihelion meteor shower, also known as the Omega Centaurids, is spawned from debris left behind by comet Halley. This shower produces about 5 meteors per hour at its peak but can produce stunning, slow-moving fireballs.

To watch the Antihelion meteor shower, look towards the constellation Centaurus, below the equator. The shower's radiant is near the star Hadar. The best viewing days are June 1 and 2, 2024.

The June Bootids Meteor Shower

The June Bootids are a minor meteor shower with few meteor limits. Like the Antihelion, they are slow-moving and can produce bright fireballs. This shower is spawned from a suspected comet, not yet identified.

The June Bootids get their name from the Bootes constellation, where their radiant is located. The ideal time to spot these meteors is late night from June 26 to June 27, 2024.

Get ready for a packed June, stargazers! From the Strawberry Moon to the mesmerizing meteor showers, there's plenty to explore in the June 2024 night skies. So mark your calendars, grab your binoculars, and enjoy the cosmic spectacle unfolding before you.