MITCH TRAPHAGEN PHOTOS
From Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin: One of the last sunsets of spring.

PUBLISHED JUNE 23, 2016

Rare ‘Strawberry Moon’ greets summer

On Monday, at 6:34 p.m., summer began. And for the first time in nearly 70 years, the change of seasons included a so-called “Strawberry Moon” — it is when a full moon coincides with the summer solstice.

While in Florida there is little distinction between the last days of spring and the first of summer, the full moon and the sun briefly shared the same sky, creating a beautiful vista for anyone looking up. If you missed it you may want to be patient: Strawberry Moons tend to occur every 50 to 70 years.

After Monday the days began getting shorter and they will continue as such through the Autumn Equinox on Sept. 22, until the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21.

The last Strawberry Moon occurred in 1948. The next one will take place on June 21, 2062, so mark your calendars now.

From Sun City Center: A full moon on the Summer Solstice.