Strawberry Moon to Nebula Sightings: Your Guide to June’s Sky Show.
If you’re a fan of astronomy, photography, or just stargazing from your balcony, June 2025 is packed with cosmic treats. From the magical glow of the Strawberry Moon to stunning nebula sightings lighting up the night sky, this month offers some of the best astronomical events of the year.

Whether you're watching with the naked eye, using binoculars, or capturing it all on your phone or DSLR, here’s your go-to guide for everything happening in the skies this June.

What Is the Strawberry Moon?

The Strawberry Moon is the name given to June’s full moon, and in 2025, it peaked on June 12th. Despite the name, it won’t actually appear pink or red—but it gets its name from Native American traditions, marking the time when strawberries are ready for harvest.

This full moon rises low in the sky, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, giving it a warm, golden hue. It’s a great time for moon photography due to its close proximity to the horizon.

How to Watch the Strawberry Moon

• Best time: Just after moonrise (around 7:30–8:00 PM local time depending on your region)

• Where to look: The southeastern sky shortly after sunset

• Gear tip: A tripod and zoom lens or a basic telescope can reveal details of the moon's craters

You can still see the moon in its near-full phase for a few days after June 12, so it’s not too late to enjoy its beauty.

Nebula Sightings: June’s Hidden Gems

While the moon draws headlines, June is also perfect for catching a glimpse of nebulae—clouds of gas and dust in space, often the birthplace of stars. These breathtaking sights are typically hard to see without telescopes, but with clear skies and minimal light pollution, even beginner astronomers can catch them.

Key Nebulae to Look For in June 2025

1. Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302)

   • Location: Constellation Scorpius

   • What to see: A vivid structure resembling butterfly wings, best visible via long-exposure astrophotography

   • Best time: Midnight to 4 AM, in southern skies

2. Lagoon Nebula (M8)

   • Location: Constellation Sagittarius

   • What to see: A large, bright star-forming region easily visible with binoculars

   • Best time: After 11 PM, facing southeast

3. Eagle Nebula (M16)

   • Location: Constellation Serpens

   • What to see: Famous for the “Pillars of Creation,” this nebula is ideal for telescope viewing

   • Best time: After midnight

Tips for Viewing Nebulae

• Location matters: Choose a spot far from city lights (dark sky parks or rural areas are best)

• Apps to use: SkySafari, Stellarium, and Sky Guide help identify where to look

• Camera settings: Use long exposure, high ISO, and manual focus for nebula photography

Other Celestial Events to Catch in June

Besides the Strawberry Moon and nebulae, here are a few more sky events worth watching:

• Summer Solstice (June 21): The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not an astronomical event you “see” in the sky, but it marks a turning point in the sun’s position.

• Meteor Showers: Minor meteor activity is expected in mid-to-late June. Look out around June 24–27 in the early hours of the morning.

• Saturn & Jupiter rising: The two gas giants begin to appear brighter and higher in the night sky this month—great for planetary photography.

Best Places to Watch June’s Sky Events

If you're looking to get the most out of this month’s celestial activity, here are some of the best skywatching locations (globally):

• Mauna Kea, Hawaii – High altitude and low light pollution

• Spiti Valley, India – Pristine skies in the Himalayas

• Namib Desert, Namibia – Incredible stargazing with minimal humidity

• La Palma, Canary Islands – Known for its international observatories

• Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania (USA) – A designated dark sky park

The Cultural Side of the Strawberry Moon

Many cultures attach symbolic meaning to the Strawberry Moon. For some, it represents growth, renewal, and a time to harvest not just crops, but intentions and personal goals.

Astrologers often associate the Strawberry Moon with emotional turning points, self-reflection, and creative energy. While not scientifically backed, this perspective adds a spiritual dimension for those who enjoy blending astronomy with astrology.