STARGAZING: A full moon worth stepping outside for

IF you only make time to admire one full moon this year, make it this one.

This weekend Australians will be treated to the Strawberry Moon – the highest full moon of 2026 in our skies.

The real spectacle comes after sunset, when it climbs high above the winter landscape and shines brilliantly throughout the night.

Despite its delicious name, don’t expect a giant pink moon.The Strawberry Moon isn’t named for its colour but for the time of year when wild strawberries were traditionally harvested by Native American communities in North America. The name has survived for centuries and is now used worldwide to describe June’s full moon.

For Australians, however, this full moon has an extra claim to fame. Because it arrives just after the winter solstice, it follows the Sun’s opposite path across the sky.

At this time of year, the midday Sun is low, so the full Moon takes the opposite route, soaring unusually high overhead.

In fact, it will be higher than any other full moon this year, making it a magnificent sight from every part of the country.

Adding another twist, this is also 2026’s second Micro-Moon. That simply means the Moon is near the farthest point in its orbit from Earth but don’t expect to notice the difference with your eyes. It will still appear beautifully bright and dominate the winter sky.

One of the best things about this celestial event is that everyone can enjoy it for free. No telescope or binoculars are needed. Simply head outside after sunset, look toward the eastern sky as the Moon rises, then watch it climb steadily higher as darkness falls.

If you really want to experience its beauty, escape the city lights. A country paddock, beach, lookout or national park can transform the experience, revealing the Moon against a sky filled with countless stars.

The crisp winter air often provides some of the clearest skies of the year, making June one of Australia’s best months for stargazing.

The Strawberry Moon also reminds us how our changing seasons affect what we see overhead.

While people in the Northern Hemisphere see June’s full moon hugging the horizon, Australians enjoy exactly the opposite view, with the Moon riding proudly high across the sky.

It’s a wonderful example of how our place on Earth changes our perspective of the heavens.

So, grab a warm jacket, a hot drink and perhaps a camera. Whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, Darwin, Hobart or a small country town in NSW, Australia’s highest full moon of the year promises a memorable winter evening.

The next full moon, known as the Buck Moon, arrives on July 29, but it won’t climb nearly as high as this one. For skywatchers, the Strawberry Moon is one of the standout celestial highlights of the Australian winter – and one well worth stepping outside to see.

Want the holiday of a lifetime? Experience the magic of Norfolk Island’s pristine night skies on our unforgettable April 2027 astronomy tour. Enjoy guided stargazing, fascinating presentations, breathtaking scenery and a relaxed holiday with fellow sky enthusiasts. An adventure where the stars truly come alive.

And, not forgetting the Mid North Coast Astronomy Group will hold another FREE Public Viewing Night at Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope, on Friday, August 8.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy telescopes, explore the night sky and discover the wonders of the universe.

For more information and more astro stories visit Dave’s website: www.davidreneke.com

By Dave RENEKE