Strawberry Moon Set to Dazzle North Dakota Skies with Rare Lunar Low Show

North Dakotans—and anyone with a clear view of the southeastern sky—are in for a celestial treat this June. The annual “Strawberry Moon” is on its way, and this year’s show promises to be more than just a pretty face in the sky. It’s set to be the lowest full moon visible in the Northern Hemisphere since 2006—and no, it's not because the moon is feeling down.

Get our free mobile app

Sorry, Folks—The Strawberry Moon Isn’t Actually Pink or Edible

Let’s clear up one common misconception right away: the Strawberry Moon won’t look like a giant pink fruit bobbing over the prairie. The name comes from Native American and colonial-era traditions, marking the start of strawberry harvest season—not from anything moon-related going on in the produce aisle.

A Low-Hanging Showstopper: Why This Moon Looks Bigger and Bolder

Still, this moon will be quite a sight. Thanks to a phenomenon called a major lunar standstill, which only happens every 18.6 years, the moon’s path will appear unusually low in the sky. That low-hanging position near the horizon can actually make the moon look larger and more colorful—kind of like it’s trying to impress someone.

Mark Your Calendar: Best Viewing Time Is the Evening of June 10

The full moon will peak at 3:44 a.m. ET on June 11, but your best bet to catch the big show is in the early evening of June 10, when it rises in the southeast. Bring a lawn chair, maybe some strawberries (for the theme), and a buddy who won’t steal your binoculars. Bonus points if you spot Antares, a bright red star near the moon, adding even more flair to the night sky. In parts of the South Pacific, the moon will actually block Antares in a rare “occultation”—a fancy word for cosmic peekaboo.

Read More: North Dakota Drivers: Stay Cool in a Crash

So whether you're out on the farm, on a rooftop in Fargo, or just escaping the porch light glow of town, take a moment to look up. The Strawberry Moon might not be sweet and juicy, but it’s serving up some of the best sky-gazing North Dakota has seen in nearly two decades.