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Strawberry moon over Vienna: You can't miss this spectacle!
Observe the spectacular Strawberry Moon on June 10th and 11th, 2025 in Vienna - a rare astronomical event!
Strawberry moon over Vienna: You can't miss this spectacle!
On Tuesday and Wednesday evening, June 10, 2025, Vienna residents can experience a very special celestial spectacle - the Strawberry Moon. This impressive event only occurs once every 19 years and is known by astronomers as the “Major lunar standstill.” However, by looking at the sky, observers can not only enjoy the ordinariness of a full moon, but also the uniqueness of the moon being particularly low above the horizon, lower than it has been since 2007.
The term “strawberry moon” comes from the Native Americans, who named this month because the wild strawberries are ripe. But that's not all: the moon will present an impressive range of colors from reddish to orange light as it rises and sets. This play of colors is caused by light refraction in the atmosphere and the so-called “moon illusion”. The best times for viewing are between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
A natural phenomenon in its full glory
Why is the strawberry moon so special? During a lunar standstill, the moon's declination reaches its maximum limit, approximately 28.72°, and this leads to striking changes in its visibility. In addition, the Moon's orbit is tilted about 5.2 degrees from Earth's orbit, making the Moon appear higher or lower to the observer during this time. According to Wikipedia explanations, the declination of the Moon is one of the main reasons why this phenomenon is so unique.
The attached times for viewing the Strawberry Moon make the sight even more exciting. On Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025, the full moon will be most visible and will make a particularly big impression. The ideal weather for this? A clear sky with temperatures between 17 and 19 degrees, as the weather forecast predicts.
The best places in Vienna
Viennese who don't want to miss the spectacle can go to various locations in the city. The recommended observation spots include the Kahlenberg with a clear view to the east, the Sophienalpe (you can park 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 Haus des Meeres. For those particularly interested, an event has been announced in the Urania Steinwarte, where a large double telescope will be used, but this is already sold out.
But the strawberry moon is more than just a visual phenomenon. Historically, such lunistices, as the phenomenon is called, have been of great importance for ancient cultures and their astronomical achievements. Sites like Stonehenge or Callanish show how much people back then had to pay attention to the lunar cycles in order to organize their communities and goals, as can be read on Merkur.
Whether you're a passionate astronomy fan or just want to enjoy an evening under the stars, the Strawberry Moon is sure to bring a lot of amazed faces. Lay a blanket on the lawn and enjoy the spectacle with friends or family!