Strawberry Moon dazzles Malaysian stargazers with golden-orange glow
Cloudy skies didn't stop many from catching a glimpse and sharing their thoughts. By DANIAL HAKIM
12 Jun 2025 03:00pm
This picture taken from the southern Kibbutz of Afar Aza shows the full moon, known as the 'Strawberry Moon' rising on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
SHAH ALAM – Last night, the skies were graced with the much-awaited "Strawberry Moon," a rare and captivating phenomenon that left stargazers across Malaysia mesmerised.
The Strawberry Moon, the name given to June's full moon, is not actually pink or strawberry-coloured, as one might expect. The full moon, known as the 'Strawberry Moon' rises over the tower Sforza Castle in Milan, on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP)
Instead, it gets its name from the traditional association with the strawberry harvest season in North America.
This particular full moon marks the start of summer and was visible in various parts of the world, including Malaysia.
Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
The name "Strawberry Moon" is believed to have originated from Native American traditions, as June was the month when strawberries would ripen and be ready for harvest.
The full moon during this time was seen as a signal for berry-picking season.
The term has since been adopted worldwide, although the moon's appearance remains the same, typically appearing as a regular full moon.
The Strawberry Moon is also notable for another reason: it often coincides with a lunar phenomenon known as a "supermoon."
This occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
Although the name might suggest a pinkish hue, Malaysia's view of the Strawberry Moon featured a warm, golden-orange tone.
Cloudy skies didn't stop many from catching a glimpse and sharing their thoughts.
One Instagram user posted, 'The Strawberry Moon I saw earlier had this golden-orange colour, its natural hue. It was so beautiful and bright, but sadly, it's cloudy here.'
The rare sight also inspired a bit of local humour, with a commenter joking, 'Full moon tonight? So it means Raya was supposed to be Friday not Saturday.'
Another chimed in with a cheeky wish: 'Hopefully there's going to be a green moon next!'
Despite the misconception that the Strawberry Moon doesn't actually turn pink or red, that didn't stop netizens from embracing the cosmic magic and making it their own.
Globally, many experienced the moon as a mood-setter, especially for astrology enthusiasts.
'Full moon in my sign Sagittarius. Probably why I'm feeling super chill today. Letting it all go.' X user @IAMSuChrist said, linking the full moon to their zodiac sign.
Others were simply vibing with the moon's seasonal theme as X (formerly known as Twitter) user @eni_ shared a coincidence with the full moon phenomenon.
'I got a strawberry plant and planted it for this full moon and I didn't even realise at the time it was the strawberry full moon!' the account shared.
Meanwhile, over on Instagram, @ameycakeenok in Michigan described the scene: 'Here in Michigan there was a light/dark haziness around that pink color. Nice shot.' What made this Strawberry Moon so special wasn't just the science behind it - it was the shared sense of awe, humor, and reflection it inspired.
Whether seen through a clear lens or hidden behind clouds, the Strawberry Moon united people from all walks of life in a brief but beautiful cosmic moment.
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