Witnessing the Strawberry Moon offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. From iconic cityscapes to serene beaches, each location provides a distinct experience that captures the magic of this lunar event. Whether you're in bustling New York City or tranquil Suva, there's a perfect spot waiting for you to enjoy this extraordinary night.
1. New York City
New York City boasts an incredible vantage point for witnessing the Strawberry Moon. The full moon will rise at 8:49 p.m. EDT on June 21, just minutes after sunset. Manhattan's iconic skyline provides an extraordinary backdrop, pairing urban beauty with celestial magic.
Here are some prime locations for moon-watching in the Big Apple:
- Central Park: Open spaces offer an undisturbed view, where the moon climbs over the treetops, casting a soft glow on the city below.
- Gantry Plaza State Park: Expansive views of both the moonrise and Manhattan's glittering buildings.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Unparalleled sights of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city beyond, creating an ideal setting for photography.
- The High Line: Elevated perspective, free from ground-level obstructions, where the moon appears large and its reddish hue creates a memorable visual experience.
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck: Unmatched panoramic view, mixing towering architectural marvels with the low-hanging Strawberry Moon.
From these vantage points, the moon seems almost touchable, amplifying the unique sensation of standing amidst the clouds in an electrified urban environment.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles provides a beautiful vantage point with moonrise at approximately 7:24 p.m. PDT. As the moon reaches its highest point in the sky at 12:13 a.m., you'll experience a midnight sky painted with lunar beauty.
Top spots for Strawberry Moon viewing in LA include:
- Griffith Observatory: Perched on Mount Hollywood, it offers expansive views and telescopes, making it a symbol of Los Angeles' allure.
- Santa Monica Pier: A playful atmosphere with the moon rising over the Pacific Ocean, perfect for an evening stroll or picnic.
- Runyon Canyon Park: Ascend above the city lights for unobstructed 360-degree views from Inspiration Point or Clouds Rest.
- Downtown LA Rooftop Bars: Perch or The Rooftop at The Standard offer sophisticated ambiances for sipping cocktails as the moon rises amidst the city skyline.
These locations blend urban chic with lunar mystique, making for an ideal night out for discerning city dwellers and visitors alike.
3. Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, the moonrise is expected around 9:35 p.m. EDT, providing a tranquil setting for viewing the Strawberry Moon's peak illumination. The charm of Indianapolis lies in its blend of urban sophistication and quiet retreats.
Notable viewing locations include:
- Indianapolis Museum of Art's Fairbanks Park: Extensive grounds with clear, open skies above immaculate landscapes.
- White River State Park: Expansive green spaces bordered by the calming flow of the river, offering a magical shimmer to the moonlit scene.
- Indiana War Memorial Plaza: Open spaces and impressive monuments provide a poignant backdrop for moon-watching.
- Eagle Creek Park's Peace Learning Center: A tranquil venue with extensive trails and open fields, away from the city's hectic pace.
- Rooftop Gardens: Plat 99 at The Alexander offers chic surroundings with views of the skyline and the rising moon.
As the Strawberry Moon moves to its peak height around 1:58 a.m., these locations offer unique perspectives on this celestial event, combining natural beauty with urban elements.
4. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby presents a unique viewing opportunity: the lunar occultation of Antares. On June 21, at 8:10 p.m. local time, the moon will align to obscure this bright red star, known as the heart of the Scorpion constellation.1
Prime viewing locations include:
- Paga Hill: Panoramic view of Port Moresby's harbor and the South Pacific Ocean.
- Ela Beach: Immersive experience with the moon rising over the waves, perfect for feeling connected to the cosmos.
- Luxury Hotel Terraces: The Stanley or the Grand Papua offer stylish rooftop bars for an elevated view.
- Touaguba Hill: Excellent vantage point with minimal light pollution for a clearer view of the celestial event.
Watching the moon "touch" Antares in the night sky is an extraordinary event, offering a blend of cosmic drama and natural grandeur. The moon's reddish glow and its cosmic dance with Antares become more striking against the expansive night sky, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
5. Suva, Fiji
Suva offers an exceptional vantage point for this year's Strawberry Moon occulting Antares. On June 21, at 11:04 p.m. local time, skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness the moon enveloping Antares, the most luminous star in the Scorpius constellation.2
Ideal viewing locations in Suva include:
- Suva Botanical Gardens: Unobstructed view of the night sky, with lush greenery below creating a scene of natural splendor.
- Korovou Beach: Serene backdrop with shimmering reflections on the South Pacific waters.
- Mount Korobaba: Panoramic views of Suva and surrounding areas, free from city light pollution.
- Grand Pacific Hotel: Elegant rooftop bar offering sophisticated ambiance for observing the Strawberry Moon.
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park: Sanctuary of natural beauty with clearings framed by dense foliage, perfect for a secluded viewing experience.
As the moon rises and starts its dance with Antares, these locations offer diverse settings to marvel at the moon's reddish glow and its cosmic interaction with Antares, creating a truly mesmerizing visual spectacle.
6. Honolulu
Honolulu offers a beautiful twilight spectacle featuring the Strawberry Moon in close conjunction with Antares at approximately 1:33 a.m. on June 21. This pairing highlights the full moon's beauty and its proximity to one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Here are some prime viewing locations:
- Diamond Head Lookout: Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and cityscape, offering a dramatic backdrop for the rising moon and Antares.
- Ala Moana Beach Park: Vast open spaces and beachfront access present unobstructed views of the night sky, with the moon's reddish hue reflecting off the serene waters.
- Magic Island: A man-made peninsula adjacent to Ala Moana Beach Park, providing a quieter spot with stunning vistas of the moonlit ocean.
- Tantalus Lookout: Via Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, allows you to escape urban light pollution and enjoy a clearer view of the sky.
- Prince Waikiki Rooftop Bar: A chic setting combining luxury with an uninterrupted panorama of the moon's ascent over the Pacific.
- Koko Head: For the adventurous, a challenging climb rewarded with breathtaking views of the moon and Antares' close conjunction.
Honolulu's blend of natural beauty and urban luxury ensures an unforgettable celestial encounter under the Hawaiian sky, whether you choose a beachfront, hilltop, or rooftop vantage point.
7. Albuquerque
Albuquerque offers an exceptional celestial experience with moonrise at approximately 7:40 p.m. MT on June 21. The city's clear skies and minimal light pollution ensure the Strawberry Moon's full splendor is visible.
Top Viewing Locations:
- Sandia Peak Tramway: Breathtaking vistas from the mountaintop observation deck, offering panoramic views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley bathed in moonlight.
- Rio Grande Nature Center: An urban oasis with peaceful walking trails and open spaces, perfect for unobstructed views of the night sky.
- Petroglyph National Monument: An extraordinary blend of natural and cultural history, where moonlight illuminates ancient volcanic stones with petroglyphs.
- Hotel Chaco Rooftop Lounge: A chic venue providing exclusive views of the Sandia Mountains and cityscape, ideal for observing the Strawberry Moon while enjoying craft cocktails.
- Elena Gallegos Open Space: Trails offering an escape into nature, with higher altitude providing dramatic views of the night sky against the expansive desert landscape.
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park: Vast open spaces ideal for unobstructed moon watching, perfect for a late-night picnic under the stars.
Each location in Albuquerque provides a unique perspective on this celestial event, from luxurious rooftops to serene natural settings.
8. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne's Southern Hemisphere location offers a unique perspective for observing the Strawberry Moon on June 21, with moonrise at 4:58 p.m. local time. As the night progresses, viewers will also see Saturn and Jupiter.
Notable viewing spots include:
- Royal Botanic Gardens: Expansive lawns and picturesque landscapes for unobstructed views of the moon rising above the serene lake.
- Eureka Skydeck: 360-degree view of the cityscape and beyond, offering a stunning visual contrast between the moonlit sky and Melbourne's gleaming skyline.
- St Kilda Beach: A blend of coastal beauty and astronomical delight, perfect for watching the moon rise over Port Phillip Bay.
- Dandenong Ranges: Multiple viewpoints free from city light pollution, ensuring clear views of the night sky against a backdrop of lush forested hills.
- QT Melbourne Rooftop Bar: A touch of sophistication with cocktails and city views as the moon rises above the skyline.
"The Melbourne Observatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens offers guided tours and telescopes for a closer look at the Strawberry Moon, Saturn, and Jupiter. Expert staff provide valuable insights, enhancing your understanding of these celestial phenomena."
For a more natural setting, Yarra Bend Park's sprawling terrain and scenic river views make it another charming spot for moon watching. The open skies and tranquil environment provide a serene backdrop for absorbing the celestial splendor.
As you prepare to witness the Strawberry Moon, each location offers its own unique way to experience this celestial event. From mountain views to beachside settings, allow yourself to be captivated by the moon's radiant ascent and create lasting memories under its glow.
