Strawberry moon about Vienna: You are not allowed to miss this spectacle!

Strawberry moon about Vienna: You are not allowed to miss this spectacle!

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening, June 10, 2025, Vienna residents can experience a very special heavenly spectacle- the strawberry moon. This impressive event occurs only every 19 years and is referred to by astronomers as "Major Lunar Standstill". With a look at the sky, however, the observers can not only enjoy the ordinaryness of a full moon, but also the uniqueness that the moon is particularly deep above the horizon, as deeply as it has not been since 2007.

The term “strawberry moon” comes from the indigenous people of America, who named this month because the forest berries are ripe. But that's not all: the moon will present an impressive range of colors from reddish to orange light during its up and down. This play of colors arises from light fraction in the atmosphere and the so -called "moon decay". The best times for the observation are between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

a natural phenomenon in its full splendor

Why is the strawberry moon so special? In the case of a lunar stand still, the declination of the moon reaches its maximum limit, about 28.72 °, and this leads to striking changes in its visibility. In addition, the moon railway is inclined by about 5.2 degrees to the earth orbit, which makes the moon appear higher or deeper for the viewer during this time. According to the explanations of Wikipedia, the declination of the moon is one of the main reasons why this phenomenon is so unique.

The connected times for the show run of the strawberry moon make the sight even more exciting. On Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025, the full moon becomes most evident and makes a particularly big impression. The optimal weather? A clear sky with temperatures between 17 and 19 degrees, as the weather forecast predicts.

The best places in Vienna

The Viennese who do not want to miss the spectacle can go to different places in the city. The recommended observation places include the Kahlenberg with free East view, the Sophienalpe (parking there at the hotel), the terrace of the Danube Tower, which is open until 10:30 p.m., and the "360 degree Ocean Sky" restaurant in the House of the Sea. An event was announced in the Urania Steinwarte for particularly interested parties, where a large double telescope is used, but it is already sold out.

But the strawberry moon is more than just a visual phenomenon. Historically, such lunistices have, as the phenomenon is called great importance for old cultures and their astronomical achievements. Seats such as Stonehenge or Callanish show how much people had to pay attention to the lunar cycles at the time to organize their communities and goals, as can be read on Merkur

whether you are a passionate astronomy fan or just want to enjoy one evening under the starry sky, the strawberry moon will certainly provide many amazed faces. Place a blanket on the meadow and enjoy the spectacle with friends or family!