Tonight's Strawberry Moon Will Hang Lower In UK Skies Than Any Full Moon Since 2006

Stargazers across the UK are in for a rare treat tonight as June's full moon - known as the Strawberry Moon - rises lower in the sky than any full moon has in nearly 20 years. This unusually low appearance is the result of a rare celestial event called a major lunar standstill, something that only occurs once every 18.6 years.

Tonight marks the peak of this month's full moon, and due to the Moon's extreme southern position on the horizon, it will appear to skim unusually low across the sky - especially noticeable for those with a clear view towards the south. This is the lowest-hanging full moon many of us will see until 2043.

The low position of the Moon can also make it appear larger and sometimes tinged with red. This isn't related to its Strawberry Moon nickname - that name comes from Native American seasonal calendars marking the short wild strawberry harvest in June - but instead is caused by the Moon's light passing through more of the Earth's atmosphere when close to the horizon. Much like a sunset, the thicker air scatters blue light and lets through more red, giving the Moon a warm glow.

Cloud could obscure the view for some, especially in Northern Ireland, north-west Scotland, and parts of the south-west, but large parts of England and southern Scotland are expected to have clear skies. And if you do miss it tonight, the Moon will still look almost full the night before and after.

For paranormal investigators, a full moon like this doesn't just offer good lighting - it's believed by some to be a natural amplifier of ghostly goings-on. There's a long tradition of associating full moons with increased supernatural activity, and many ghost hunters plan their investigations to coincide with the lunar cycle.

It's thought that the Moon, particularly when full, might influence psychic sensitivity or help spirits manifest. Some believe that moonlight, like sunlight, is a form of electromagnetic energy - and since many investigators use devices that pump out electromagnetic fields in hopes of fuelling a haunting, the Moon could be doing something similar on a natural scale.

There's even folklore suggesting that ghosts, elementals, and darker entities are more active under a full moon, with some reports noting spikes in paranormal sightings during the few days either side of the peak.

Others argue that the connection is more psychological than supernatural. Full moons light up the night, keep people awake longer, and raise expectations - all of which could contribute to people noticing more, misinterpreting what they see, or simply being more suggestible.

Still, the belief in lunar-linked hauntings persists, and tonight's particularly dramatic Moon is likely to stir excitement among paranormal enthusiasts. Whether you're watching for ghosts or just enjoying the view, tonight's Strawberry Moon offers a rare spectacle - both visually and, perhaps, paranormally.