Strawberry Moon captured in rare state across Wales

On a clear evening in Wales, many people were treated to a spectacular sight: the Strawberry Moon. This full moon, which appears in June, is named after the time when indigenous Americans harvested wild strawberries. The moon often takes on a pink or orange tint, which makes it look very beautiful against the night sky. This year, the Strawberry Moon was especially remarkable because it appeared very low in the sky, making it look much larger than usual. This rare event, known as a major lunar standstill, last happened in 2006 and will not be seen again until 2043.

Photographers and sky watchers across Wales captured stunning images of the moon glowing over various landscapes. In Carmarthenshire, the moon shone brightly above Paxton's Tower, a turreted building on a hill. In other parts of Wales, such as Powys and Rhondda Cynon Taf, the moon was seen casting a soft pink and orange glow over mountainsides, houses, and fields. One particularly unique photo showed reindeers standing in front of the large, glowing moon at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Farm, combining two rare sights in one frame.

The Strawberry Moon is not only a beautiful natural event but also a reminder of the connection between the moon and the seasons. The name comes from the harvest season when wild strawberries were gathered by Native Americans. The moon’s reddish or orange color is caused by the way its light passes through the Earth's atmosphere, especially when it is low on the horizon. This year’s lunar standstill made the moon appear even more impressive, as it stayed low in the sky for a longer time than usual. Many people in Wales took the opportunity to enjoy this rare and breathtaking view, knowing it would be many years before they could see it again.