Lovers of beautiful nighttime phenomena have good reason to rejoice this month; for the third time this year, we’re going to be treated to what is known as a “supermoon” here in the Hoosier State. A “supermoon” is defined as a full (or new!) moon that happens when the moon is at or near 90% or more of its closest point to earth. The result is a moon that appears just a little bit bigger in the night sky, and it’s quite a spectacle. This supermoon in Indiana is particularly special; it’s what is known as a “strawberry moon.”
Kurt:S/Flickr
Did you know that the full moon of each month of the year has a special name for different reasons?
Kassy/Flickr For example, the full moon in January is known as the “Wolf Moon,” February’s full moon is called the “Snow Moon,” March’s full moon is called the “Worm Moon,” and so on. In June, the full moon is called the “Strawberry Moon.”
The “Strawberry Moon” moniker comes from Algonquin Native American tribes in eastern North America, who gave it that name in honor of the brief summertime season in which strawberries ripen on the vine.
Victoria Pickering/Flickr The name gives it a particularly enchanting quality; there’s something a lot more magical about a “Strawberry Moon” than there is in, say, the “Sturgeon Moon” (August, by the way).
Most years are blessed with 12 beautiful full moons, one in every month.
Fransisco Costa/Flickr However, sometimes, we get a little lucky and end up with an extra one, giving us up to 13 full moons in a year. Typically, there will be two supermoons in a year - but this year, we’re even luckier still, being the fortunate recipients of a third supermoon in a row in 2021.
2021’s first supermoon was on April 26.
Roger Gerbig/Flickr The second was on May 26, and the third will be on June 24 (we know, the number change drives us a little nuts, too, but we’ll take it if it means another awesome supermoon).
On the night of the 24th, the moon will be in plain view for the entire night over the Hoosier State.
AnnieSee/Flickr Moonset - or when the moon dips below the horizon, much like the sunset - isn’t until after 5 a.m., so no matter what time you take a look, the beautiful Strawberry Supermoon of 2021 will be visible (clouds permitting, of course).
The next supermoon over Indiana won’t occur for another year; the next is “scheduled” to be on June 14, 2022.
Giuseppe Donatiello/Flickr
So, what do you think? Will you be making time to look at the beautiful June “Strawberry” supermoon? We sure will! If you’re looking for more awe-inspiring celestial events over Indiana for 2021, you’ll definitely want to check out this article. There, you’ll find a list of 12 night-sky events, one for every month of this year.
Kurt:S/Flickr
Kassy/Flickr
For example, the full moon in January is known as the “Wolf Moon,” February’s full moon is called the “Snow Moon,” March’s full moon is called the “Worm Moon,” and so on. In June, the full moon is called the “Strawberry Moon.”
Victoria Pickering/Flickr
The name gives it a particularly enchanting quality; there’s something a lot more magical about a “Strawberry Moon” than there is in, say, the “Sturgeon Moon” (August, by the way).
Fransisco Costa/Flickr
However, sometimes, we get a little lucky and end up with an extra one, giving us up to 13 full moons in a year. Typically, there will be two supermoons in a year - but this year, we’re even luckier still, being the fortunate recipients of a third supermoon in a row in 2021.
Roger Gerbig/Flickr
The second was on May 26, and the third will be on June 24 (we know, the number change drives us a little nuts, too, but we’ll take it if it means another awesome supermoon).
AnnieSee/Flickr
Moonset - or when the moon dips below the horizon, much like the sunset - isn’t until after 5 a.m., so no matter what time you take a look, the beautiful Strawberry Supermoon of 2021 will be visible (clouds permitting, of course).
Giuseppe Donatiello/Flickr
What’s your favorite night-sky event? Tell us in the comments!
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