For the first time since 1985, June’s full moon will coincide with the summer solstice. What does that mean for Texans? Well, you’ll have a front row seat to a breathtaking spectacle.

Known as the Strawberry Moon, this full moon should peak at 8:20 p.m. on Friday, June 21, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Although that sounds early to us, but who are we to question the Farmer’s Almanac?

This will be the lowest full moon in a number of years, creating a “Moon Illusion” where it appears larger and more orange due to its proximity to the horizon.

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, with the sun at its highest point, causing the moon to appear significantly lower. This optical illusion occurs because the full moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, showing the moon’s dayside. For a couple of days, the moon will look full before transitioning to the waning gibbous phase.

Historically, full moon names tracked the seasons. Contrary to popular belief, the Strawberry Moon marks the short strawberry harvesting season, not its color. This year, the full moon will follow the summer solstice, and enhance its visual impact as a result.

Stargazers can enjoy this rare event and look forward to the next full moon, the Buck Moon, on July 21.

While technically the full moon occurs the night before our Moondance Concert here in Boerne, it should still appear full to the naked eye by then. So make sure to get your tickets and head out for a magical evening!