Get Ready, Canada: A Rare Strawberry Moon Is Lighting Up the Sky Tonight
Skywatchers across Vancouver and Toronto, don’t forget to look up tonight—because the rare Strawberry Moon is putting on a dazzling show. The last full moon of spring will be at its peak by exactly 12:44 a.m. Wednesday. If you’re lucky, clear skies along the south coast will give you a perfect view.
Though the name might sound sweet and pink, the moon won’t actually turn red. Instead, it gets its name from the Algonquin tribes who timed the moon with the start of berry season. It’s a beautiful reminder that nature and tradition often walk hand in hand.
This year’s strawberry moon isn’t just about timing—it’s also big. In fact, it’ll appear larger and lower on the horizon than usual, especially for those watching from Toronto. It marks the lowest full moon in over a decade and is a once-in-a-generation sight—you won’t see one like this again until 2043.
Celestial Company: Venus and Mars Join the Show
NASA says this month’s sky has more than just the moon. Mars will be visible for a few hours after sunset in the western sky. Venus rises two hours before the sun, glowing gently in the eastern horizon before dawn. So, stargazers can expect a celestial lineup worth the lost sleep.
Full Moon Names Through the Year
Every full moon gets its nickname from seasonal events or natural signs. January starts off with the Wolf Moon, linked to howling wolves. February sees the Snow Moon, because—of course—it snows.
Here’s a quick roundup of others:
- Worm Moon (March): When earthworms reappear.
- Pink Moon (April): Named after springtime blooms.
- Flower Moon (May): Gardening season begins.
- Buck Moon (July): Deer antlers grow back.
- Sturgeon Moon (August): Fish sightings in the Great Lakes.
- Corn Moon (September): Harvests kick in.
- Harvest Moon (October): Time to gather crops.
- Beaver Moon (November): Beavers prep for winter.
- Cold Moon (December): It’s exactly what it sounds like.
Catch It Now—Or Wait 18 Years
This year’s Strawberry Moon isn’t just symbolic—it’s spectacular. With its rare low position and enlarged appearance, it’s a sight that won’t come back until 2043. Whether you’re in Vancouver with a mountain view or in Toronto strolling by the lake, tonight’s sky promises pure magic.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more stories that bring the universe closer to home.
