A Rare Celestial Treat Coming to the Lowveld
Get ready, Lowveld stargazers! On 11 June 2025 at 09:43 SAST, the moon will reach its full phase in what’s known as the Strawberry Moon — and it’s not just another full moon. This will be the lowest full moon in the South African sky in 19 years, a spectacular phenomenon linked to a major lunar standstill, which won’t repeat until 2043.
But here’s the catch: the best time to witness this rare beauty isn’t on the morning of the 11th — it’s the evening of 10 June, just after sunset. That’s when the moon will be low, glowing, and photogenically positioned above the Mpumalanga horizon.
Why Is It Called the Strawberry Moon
Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Strawberry Moon isn’t pink or red. The name originates from Algonquian tribes in North America, who used it to mark the time of year for strawberry harvesting. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it’s the traditional June full moon that also signals the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Other names from global traditions include:
- Blooming Moon – marking the bloom of flora
- Birth Moon – symbolizing new life in animals
- Hatching Moon – used by Indigenous tribes for nesting seasons
Best Time for Lowvelders to Watch the Strawberry Moon
Optimal Viewing Time:
- Date: Evening of 10 June 2025
- Time: Just after sunset (approximately 17:30–18:30 SAST)
- Direction: Southeast horizon
Why not 11 June
Although the moon hits its full phase at 09:43 on 11 June, it will already be well above the horizon during daylight, making it hard to see. The evening of 10 June offers the most dramatic, warm-hued moonrise, perfect for photographers and skywatchers in the Lowveld.
What Makes This Moon Special?
- Orange-Golden Glow: As the moon rises low in the sky, atmospheric scattering gives it a yellow-orange tint — ideal for photography!
- Moon Illusion: The moon will appear larger than usual when near the horizon due to the “moon illusion”.
- Rare Lunar Standstill: Tied to the 18.6-year lunar cycle, this event marks the moon’s most extreme rising and setting positions, making it one of the most photogenic moons of the decade.
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How to Get the Best View in the Lowveld
Where to Look:
- Find the southeastern horizon just after sunset.
- Opt for elevated or wide-open areas like:
- Sudwala Caves outlook
- Kaapsehoop hills
- Kruger National Park viewpoints
- Rural farms near Sabie or Hazyvie.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
Lunar Standstill 101:
Every 18.6 years, the moon enters a phase where its declination reaches extremes, causing it to rise and set at the most northern and southern points on the horizon. This results in:
- Lower moonrises
- Longer arcs across the sky
- More visually captivating full moons
Visual Phenomena to Expect:
- Moon Illusion: The moon looks larger near the horizon due to optical illusions.
- Atmospheric Filtering: Dust and particles scatter light, giving the moon a coppery or golden glow.
- Surface Detail Visibility: Light angles near the horizon enhance crater shadows, perfect for telescopic observation.
Why This Event Matters to Lowvelders
Lowveld residents are uniquely positioned to enjoy this event due to:
- Low light pollution in rural areas
- Clear winter skies during the June dry season
- Elevated terrains offering uninterrupted views of the horizon
Whether you’re in Mbombela (Nelspruit), White River, or exploring Kruger, this is your chance to catch a once-in-two-decades moonrise that’s both beautiful and scientifically fascinating.
Final Thoughts
Don’t Miss the Lowveld’s Most Magical Moon of 2025
The Strawberry Moon of June 2025 isn’t just a full moon — it’s a celestial event wrapped in cultural meaning, visual beauty, and astronomical wonder. And for Lowvelders, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to gaze up and witness a moon unlike any other.