When Clapham can see the spectacular Strawberry Full Moon this week

By Isabel Millett 27th Sep 2021

Names for the June full Moon include Strawberry, Mead, Honey, Rose and Hot
Names for the June full Moon include Strawberry, Mead, Honey, Rose and Hot

The Strawberry Moon is set to rise tomorrow as the sun dips below the horizon.[H1]

The clouds over Clapham on Monday might have made a damp squib of the Summer Solstice this year but look to the skies for a sweet sight at sunset tomorrow night because a Strawberry Moon is set to rise as the sun dips below the horizon.

The full Moon in June became known as the Strawberry Moon to signify the start of the strawberry harvest.

Some name it the 'Rose Moon' because of the roses that bloom in late June, and in Europe it is often called the 'Mead Moon' or the 'Honey Moon' since the end of June is when ripened honey is ready to be harvested from beehives.

The word "honeymoon" dates back to the 1500s and according to NASA, may relate to this full Moon because of either the custom of marrying in June or because the 'Honey Moon' is "the 'sweetest' Moon of the year".

[H1]When does a full Moon occur?

We can see the Moon appear as a full orb every 29 and a half days when the Earth is directly aligned between it and the Sun.

Given the unreliable weather patterns Clapham is beholden to, we sometimes have to wait a while longer than this before catching a glimpse.

According to the Met Office, sunny spells tomorrow morning will give way to clouds which by sunset could restrict your view of the Strawberry Moon. As Londoners, we know to never call a barbeque off because of a few clouds and since this full Moon is also the last supermoon of 2021, it is not one to miss.

All things being equal, it should be harder to – being nearer to Earth than usual means the Moon will appear bigger and brighter in the sky.

What is the best way to see the full Moon in Clapham?

That the longest day of the year has been and gone is no cause for despondency – the Sun will keep rising a little later each day but between the Summer Solstice and end of June, it also sets at the same time, 9.19pm, meaning there are plenty of long summer evenings still in store before it feels as though that dreaded inch towards winter has started.

If you want to get a good view of the Strawberry Moon, somewhere on Clapham Common with less light pollution and a clear horizon where you feel safe is the best option.

Clapham being on top of a hill makes a spot between the Windmill and Long Pond the best place to observe a sunset at ground level.

Pear Tree Café by the bandstand is operating its summer hours and there is little light pollution on the nearby fields. Already as popular among Clapham locals as its original sister site in Battersea, Pear Tree Café should ensure plenty of passers-by if you are on the Common after dark, especially if you stick close to the cycle lane that leads to Cedars Road.

The Lunar Calendar for Clapham charts the Full Moon to reach our skyline at 7.39pm so you can always look out for the Strawberry Moon before sunset.

If you manage to catch a glimpse, we would love to see your photos ! Email [email protected] or tweet @IssyMillett.[.I]

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