Strawberry moon will light up sky above Washington state. Is it actually red?

The strawberry moon soon will grace the night sky above Washington state.

Where does this name come from, and what does it really look like?

Here’s what to know:

When is the next full moon in 2026?

The next full moon is expected to reach peak illumination at 4:56 p.m. on Monday, June 29, according to online clock Time and Date.

Is the strawberry moon red?

The full moon in June is known as the strawberry moon.

The name has “nothing to do with the moon’s hue or appearance,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

June’s full moon won’t appear red, pink or otherwise out of the ordinary.

Why is June’s full moon called the strawberry moon?

The term “strawberry moon” has been used by Native American Algonquin tribes as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota and Lakota peoples to “mark the ripening of ‘June-bearing’ strawberries that are ready to be gathered,” Old Farmer’s Almanac astronomer Bob Berman wrote in a June 1 article.

Other names for June’s full moon include the blooming moon, green corn moon, egg laying moon and hatching moon, according to Berman.

One name hails from the Pacific Northwest.

The Tlingit refer to June’s full moon as the birth moon, relating it to the time of year when certain animals are typically born.

How can I watch the strawberry moon?

In the Pacific Northwest, the June full moon will be at its brightest before sunset.

However, you can still catch the full moon shining bright overnight, as weather permits.

Unless there is heavy cloud coverage, you should have an easy view of the strawberry moon.

Additionally, the moon may appear full to Washington sky watchers in the days preceding and following June 29.