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The Strawberry Moon will soon illuminate the night sky, but don't expect the moon to look like an actual fruit.It will be the first full moon of summer because it occurs after the summer solstice, which was on Sunday, June 21.Despite its nickname, June's moon won't look red like a strawberry, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Its name comes from the fact that the fruit usually ripens and is ready for picking around this time of year.Full and new moons' names are traditionally used to track the seasons, the almanac states. June's full moon's nickname originated from the Native American Algonquian tribes in the northeastern U.S., as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota peoples.Here's what to know about the full moon and when it's set to peak in the night sky.When is the Strawberry Moon?The Strawberry Moon peaks on Monday, June 29, at 7:57 p.m. ET, according to the Farmer's Almanac. It will still look full a few days before and after it peaks.Other names for the Strawberry MoonOther names include the following, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac:Berries Ripen MoonBlooming MoonGreen Corn MoonHoer MoonBirth MoonThe moon's nicknames, like April's Pink Moon, May's Flower Moon or June's Strawberry Moon, originated from Native Americans, Colonial Americans and European and other cultures' names for the moon.How to get the best view of the full moonWhile the moon will peak before the sun sets in certain areas, it will still look full, bright and beautiful at night, weather permitting.To get the best view of the moon, check local weather forecasts in your area to make sure there won't be heavy cloud coverage or storms.If you're going to go stargazing the night of the full moon, make sure to do the following:Check the weather and cloud coverage in your area to make sure conditions are optimal to view the moonDress appropriately for the weatherUse bug spray to avoid bites from mosquitoesBring a blanket, a sleeping bag or a reclining chair to lie onList of remaining full moons for 2026Here are the rest of the full moon dates for 2026, according to the Farmer's Almanac:Buck Moon: Peaks July 29, at 10:36 a.m. ETSturgeon Moon (partial lunar eclipse): Peaks Aug. 28, at 12:18 a.m. ETHarvest Moon: Peaks Sept. 26, at 12:49 p.m. ETHunter's Moon: Peaks Oct. 26, at 12:12 a.m. ETBeaver Moon (super moon): Peaks Nov. 24, at 9:53 a.m. ETCold Moon (super moon): Peaks Dec. 23, at 8:28 p.m.Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
