Strawberry Moon captured over England

Mike Spencer The Strawberry Moon looked golden over Europe's tallest street art in LeicesterMike Spencer
The Strawberry Moon looked golden over Europe's tallest street art in Leicester

The Full Moon marking the start of meteorological summer has been seen glowing in the sky above England.

Photographers captured images of the Strawberry Moon, which was visible from just after 21:00 BST on Saturday until just before 04:30 on Sunday.

tracey1978tails Strawberry Moon seen from Overseal, Derbyshiretracey1978tails
The Strawberry Moon (here in Overseal, Derbyshire) reached peak illumination at 03:42 BST on Sunday

Its name is thought to come from Algonquian tribes in North America, with June being the month when strawberries begin to ripen for picking.

Historically, names like this would have served a purpose, helping to monitor the changing seasons.

Kris Meaden Strawberry Moon seen over St Michael's Mount, CornwallKris Meaden
The Strawberry Moon was glowing above the historic castle on St Michael's Mount, Cornwall
Sue Strawberry Moon seen from Flockton, West YorkshireSue
The Strawberry Moon (here in Flockton in West Yorkshire) marks the start of meteorological summer

Photographer Michael Wake captured the Strawberry Moon rising over the lighthouse on Roker Pier in Sunderland.

"I stood on the Seaburn promenade, just under and a mile from the lighthouse," he said.

"At first, the moonrise was hidden behind a blanket of clouds, and I wasn't sure if it would appear.

"Thankfully it did, and as it rose into the sky, it got brighter and brighter, then turned a beautiful red and orange."

Michael Wake Michael Wake said the Strawberry Moon got brighter and brighter as it rose over Roker Pier in SunderlandMichael Wake
Michael Wake said the Strawberry Moon got brighter and brighter as it rose over Roker Pier in Sunderland

Although it appeared spectacular, the Strawberry Moon was not considered a supermoon.

The first supermoon of 2023 - when a Full Moon is also at its closest point to Earth along this orbit - is expected in August.

sky girl Strawberry Moon seen from Breedon on the Hill, Leicestershiresky girl
The Strawberry Moon seen from Breedon on the Hill, Leicestershire
Maggie T Howlett Strawberry Moon seen from East Leake, NottinghamshireMaggie T Howlett
This close-up of the Strawberry Moon was taken in East Leake, Nottinghamshire
BBC Presentational grey line

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].