Strawberry moon over Vienna: A heavenly spectacle is waiting for you!

Strawberry moon over Vienna: A heavenly spectacle is waiting for you!

A very special astronomical event is just around the corner in Vienna. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, June 10th and 11th, 2025, star lovers can admire the so-called Strawberry Moon. This full moon, which gets its name from the Native Americans, only occurs once every 19 years and has not been seen in this form since 2007. The Strawberry moon appears particularly low above the horizon and creates fascinating plays of light when it appears reddish or orange when rising and setting.

The technical term for this rare spectacle is “Major lunar standstill” or simply “strawberry moon”. The origins of this name go back to the time when wild strawberries ripened in June. In addition to the strawberry moon, names such as “hot moon”, “honey wine moon”, “rose moon” and “honey moon” are also common. On both evenings, the best viewing times are between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Weather and best places for observation

The weather forecast promises pleasant temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees in the evening with clear skies. Ideal for a nighttime moon view! There are several places in Vienna that are ideal:

• Kahlenberg (freier Ostblick)
• Sophienalpe (Parkplatz am Hotel)
• Terrasse vom Donauturm (bis 22.30 Uhr geöffnet, letzte Liftauffahrt um 21.45 Uhr)
• „360 Grad Ocean Sky“ Restaurant im Haus des Meeres (bis 23 Uhr geöffnet)

Unfortunately, the event with a large double telescope in the Urania Steinwarte is already sold out, but the observation opportunities are numerous.

The phenomenon of the lunar stands still

The strawberry moon phenomenon, also known as lunar standstill, is a fascinating natural event that occurs when the moon reaches its extreme northern or southern position during a tropical month. The moon's declination varies between 18.134° and 28.725° in a cycle of 18.6 years. The last major lunar standstill occurred in December 2024, with the next one coming in 2043. The special astronomical event causes the moon to rise and set at extreme highs and lows in the sky, affecting visibility, such as Wikipedia explained.

The natural spectacle has great historical significance. Many ancient cultures, including Bronze Age societies, built monuments aligned with the moonrises and moonsets during such events. The moon not only influences our nights, but also the tides. During a lunar standstill, these forces can be amplified, resulting from Mercury confirmed studies show.

Take the opportunity to observe the strawberry moon - an experience you don't have every day! Whether alone or with friends, enjoy the magical moments under Vienna's starry sky.