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Skywatchers will enjoy a double treat Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, thanks to the full moon "Strawberry" and our closest view of Saturn this year.
The full moon of June called the strawberry moon because it reported to some Native American tribes that it was the time of year to collect ripening strawberries, according to the Almanac of the old farmer.
The Strawberry Moon is the most colorful of the year as it takes a low, shallow path across the sky, said Bob Bonadurer, director of the Milwaukee Public Museum's Planetarium.
The low arc of June's full moon across the sky means that the moonlight has to cross the Earth's atmosphere further, giving it an orange or yellow hue.
The Strawberry Moon is also called Hot Moon because it is the beginning of the summer and Rose Moon, Honeymoon and Hay Moon because it is the first hay harvest.
Saturn is at "opposition", meaning that the planet and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth, according to NASA. It also means that the planet surrounded by rings is as close to the Earth as it can be all year round.
It will also be visible to the naked eye all night, rising to the east around the sunset and slowly clearing its way across the sky before lying down to the west around the sunrise, according to AccuWeather.
However, you will need a telescope to see the famous rings of the planet, but "if you've never spotted the rings of Saturn, it's now your chance," said Dave Samuhel , AccuWeather astronomy blogger.
Some of Saturn's moons might also be visible with a telescope, NASA said.
The cloudless conditions will lead to uninterrupted views of Saturn for much of the western and central United States on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, clouds will darken the night sky for many people across the northeastern and along the Appalachian spine, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest, according to AccuWeather.
Contribute: Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
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