KUWAIT: In a much-anticipated annual spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts, Kuwait’s skies lit up Wednesday night with the appearance of the so-called "Strawberry Moon" — the full moon of June, which this year reached its lowest point in the sky in decades, marking the end of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the onset of summer. Despite what the name might suggest, the moon does not actually turn strawberry pink. Instead, it can take on a warm golden or orange hue as it rises, due to its low position on the horizon and the effect of its light passing through denser layers of the atmosphere.

The name “Strawberry Moon” originates from Indigenous Northern American tribes, particularly in the northeastern United States, where the appearance of the June full moon signaled the start of the wild strawberry harvest season. This celestial phenomenon, visible to the naked eye, has gained widespread popularity in recent years thanks to increased media coverage and growing interest in astrophotography. It is often seen as a perfect opportunity for photographers to capture striking scenes of the moon juxtaposed with natural landscapes or urban landmarks. — KUNA