Strawberry Moon kicks off month of planetary shows
This month earthlings will have a chance to witness many planetary and celestial events including the Strawberry Moon and the summer solstice.
NASA says there should be many opportunities to catch the moon and stars showing off in June, and it kicks off, if clear skies permit, with the strawberry moon.
According to the Farmer's Almanac, on June 3 the moon will appear larger and with a "golden" aura. It will reach peak illumination by 11:43 p.m. EDT.
The Strawberry Moon is what some people call June's full moon. Its name is derived from Moon Teachings, according to Kanawayhitowin, an Ontario-wide educational program created by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to address violence against women.
Under those teachings, the Strawberry Moon is the sixth moon of Creation, and according to Kanawayhitowin's website, it was during this moon cycle that communities usually held annual feasts "welcoming everyone home, regardless of their differences over the past year, letting go of judgment and/or self-righteousness."
Each year in June the Earth passes through two interplanetary meteoroid streams, NASA's website says. They are the Arietid and Zeta Perseid meteors. This year, The Weather Channel says an Arietid shower will happen on June 7.
However, unlike many meteor events, this one will happen during the day meaning the likelihood of seeing the show in all its glory will be limited.
"Sadly for stargazers, both constellations are very close to the Sun when these showers reach maximum activity," NASA says. "Still, the few that are visible are really worth seeing."
Near the end of the month, it will be the longest day of the year, a transition period into the second half of the year.
The summer solstice will happen on June 21 and will mark the time the sun appears at its highest elevation due to the earth's tilt toward the sun. It marks the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
It's the tipping point for long days as then slowly over the next few months, the days become shorter and nights longer.
Correction
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Kanawayhitowin was the Toronto branch of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres.
RISKIN REPORTS
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

WATCH LIVE House of Commons meets to elect new Speaker, seven candidates vying for key role
Members of Parliament are gathering in the House of Commons to elect a new Speaker, where the seven candidates vying for the key role are making last-minute pitches to their peers.
'Unrelenting' fast-food ads using privacy 'loopholes' to target children: study
A first-of-its-kind study by the University of Ottawa has discovered a lack of information on what data and information is collected on children from food service apps.
India tells Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official says
India has told Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, an official familiar with the matter said Tuesday, ramping up a confrontation between the two countries over Canadian accusations that India may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver.
Homeowners brace for mortgage payment shock amid higher-for-longer rate outlook
From ultra-low interest rates that led to a huge spike in real estate demand to the speed with which interest rates shot up to levels not seen in a generation, it's been hard to keep up with the shifting landscape for mortgage holders.
Diwali fireworks advisory issued despite warnings it might be discriminatory: emails
An Environment Canada advisory that singled out Diwali fireworks as a reason to prepare for poor air quality last October was issued despite multiple warnings from some staff about it being discriminatory.
Fat Bear Week is happening! Check out the contestants now, start voting Wednesday
The 2023 lineup includes fan favorite Otis, who “moves less to catch more” according to the announcement video, and last year’s winner 747, who is rarely challenged for prime fishing spots. Now it’s time to meet the contenders:
Frequent price increases by businesses contributing to sticky inflation: BoC official
Bank of Canada deputy governor Nicolas Vincent says businesses are still raising their prices more frequently and by larger amounts than they did before the pandemic, which is contributing to higher-than-expected inflation.
Trump seethes through the start of trial in New York lawsuit accusing him of lying about his wealth
Aggrieved and defiant, former U.S. president Donald Trump sat through hours of sometimes testy opening statements Monday in a fraud lawsuit that could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.
These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning
The House of Commons is set to pick a new Speaker, Manitobans go to the polls today, and homeowners in Canada brace for mortgage payment shock. Here's what you need to know to start your day.