The fascination of the strawberry moon: Ballenstedt illuminated by red light!

The fascination of the strawberry moon: Ballenstedt illuminated by red light!

On the night of June 11th to 12th, 2023, the sky experienced a very special spectacle: the strawberry moon. This pretty celestial phenomenon, also known as the Rose Moon, caused amazement and excitement among amateur astronomers and photographers. The Strawberry Moon occurs when the full moon is particularly low in June and its reddish color is caused by the scattering of light in the Earth's atmosphere. After news38.de This moon will be visible next year for the first time in 46 years, specifically in 2043.

But what makes the strawberry moon so special? The name does not come from its distinctive coloring, but rather refers to the start of the strawberry harvest in June. Other terms such as honey moon or rose moon are also used. In 2025, the Strawberry Moon will coincide with a particularly rare nodal rotation that occurs every 18.6 years. When it rises, the moon is only about eleven degrees above the horizon, which gives it an impressive size. This provides a unique sky-gazing opportunity that will not be repeated for years to come.

The perfect time for observation

For everyone who wants to admire the strawberry moon in Cologne, June 11, 2025 is the date of choice. This evening the sun will set at 9:46 p.m. and the moon will appear on the eastern horizon around 10:47 p.m. For the best photos, it's a good idea to photograph the moon immediately after it rises. A good view to the east and as little light pollution as possible are crucial fotomagazin.de explained.

Equipped with a camera that allows manual adjustment options, photographers should have a telephoto lens with at least 200 mm focal length on hand. In combination with a stable tripod, impressive images of the lunar surface can be captured. Optimal camera settings include ISO 100, an aperture of f/8 to f/11, and an exposure time that adjusts depending on lighting conditions. Manual focusing is recommended, especially in low light, as it can produce better results.

Photography Tips for the Strawberry Moon

How do you capture the strawberry moon perfectly? The answer to that is provided gut-fotografieren.de: Good composition is crucial. The rule of thirds should be observed and interesting foreground elements should be incorporated to make the shots more lively. In addition, you should always keep an eye on the weather while observing the sky, as clear skies are a prerequisite for fully enjoying this astronomical attraction.

Hobby photographer Torsten Krause from the Harz region shows how it's done. He was able to capture impressive images of the strawberry moon as it disappeared behind Ballenstedt Castle. Krause used an app that showed him the best times and positions for photography. But even the best plan can't protect you from the weather - despite your preparation, clouds and other conditions can spoil the view.

Let's look forward to this special evening in June 2025, when the strawberry moon will once again illuminate our nights and present the photographers among us with great challenges.