How much do you know about the Strawberry Supermoon?
The year 2022 seems like the Moon’s favourite—it keeps making unique appearances! The first such appearance was in May during the total lunar eclipse. Similarly, the most recent appearance, famously dubbed the Strawberry Supermoon, occurred on June 14. As an Indian, you’re probably familiar with the term Vat Purnima. That’s exactly what the Strawberry Supermoon is! It’s the last full moon of the month of June and goes by several names across the globe, such as Rose Moon, the Mead and Honey. Although Strawberry Supermoon is its most popular name for sure!
What was so special about this lunar event?
NASA reported that during the Strawberry Supermoon phenomenon, the Moon was at its closest proximity to Earth. As a result, it appeared 17% larger and 30% brighter than whenever it is farthest from Earth. In fact, the Strawberry Supermoon was located exactly opposite Earth, and thus, fully illuminated the planet. Interestingly, this is the first of three supermoons scheduled for 2022.
Although the Strawberry Supermoon peaked on June 14, it was visible in its full glory for three days straight, from Sunday evening on June 12 through Wednesday morning on June 15. It rose on Sunday along the eastern horizon at sunset and set in the west on Wednesday during sunrise. But enough with the factoids—let’s further delve into this unique celestial event!
What is a supermoon?
American astrologer Richard Nolle coined the term supermoon in 1979. A supermoon is a lunar event during which either a new or a full moon occurs. At the time of this phenomenon, the Moon is at its closest approach, called perigee, to Earth.
Why is June’s supermoon called the Strawberry Supermoon?
You’re probably wondering why June’s supermoon is called the Strawberry Supermoon, aren’t you? Well, this name traces back to Native American tribes called Algonquin. Populating the north-eastern region of present-day USA, the Algonquin christened this lunar event the Strawberry Supermoon as it indicated that the fruit gathering season was at hand. In fact, this period also coincides with the peak of the strawberry harvesting season in North America. Additionally, the enlarged moon appears to be reddish pink in colour, resembling a strawberry!
Likewise, the Strawberry Supermoon is known as the Mead or Honey in Europe. That’s because during this time, usually at the end of June, honey was ready to be harvested. Meanwhile, the alternative name Rose Moon comes from the sweet-smelling flowers that are also known to bloom during this time of the year.