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There's A Really Amazing Reason To Look Up At The Moon Tonight

by Oliver McAteer
REX/Shutterstock

Yes, it's the longest day of the year (and a Monday, ugh) -- but there's something big to look forward to when the sun finally goes down after blasting us with 17 hours of light.

Tonight's summer solstice will coincide with a full moon for the first time since 1948, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. This will leave us with a phenomenon called the Strawberry Moon.

The name Strawberry Moon comes from Native American Algonquin tribes, as it marks the start of strawberry season and other summer fruits. It doesn't come from the color, which is more amber than strawberry red.

Other common nicknames used around the world include Rose Moon and Honey Moon.

The moon glows this color because it's lower at this time of year, and the light has to travel through much thicker air thanks to humidity.

No worries if you're struggling to get a good view tonight -- the whole thing will be live-streamed by the Slooh Observatory.

Since this only happens every 70 years or so, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us.

To see the best times to view the Strawberry Moon in your area, click here.

Citations: ABC 7