Strawberry Moon to shine at lowest angle in 18 years

18年來草莓月將以最低的角度發光

Taipei Astronomical Museum says full moon will be visible after dusk


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Strawberry Moon will appear on Wednesday night at its lowest angle in Taiwan in 18 years.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum said Taiwan residents can easily observe the phenomenon after dusk, per CNA. This year's Strawberry Moon is particularly noteworthy as it marks the lowest angle in its cycle.

Chao Jui-ching (趙瑞青), a researcher at the Taipei Astronomical Museum, explained that full moons throughout the year are named in other countries based on peak harvest seasons or customs. This full moon was named by Native Americans to mark the strawberry harvest season in June, though its color is no different than usual.

Chao said international coverage of this year’s Strawberry Moon is largely due to its position in the sky. The moon’s orbit is called the lunar path, while the sun follows the ecliptic.

On Wednesday, the lunar path will reach its southernmost point relative to the ecliptic, placing the moon at the lowest angle in its 18.6-year cycle. Chao said that while this is of astronomical interest, most people will not notice a significant difference unless they routinely observe and photograph the full moon for comparison.

Chao said the moon will rise in the east after sunset, reach its highest point in the sky around 11 p.m. to midnight, and set in the west near dawn. For those who miss it on Wednesday, the next time the full moon appears at such a low angle will not be until between 2043 and 2044.