Sandy and the Moon Halo

Last Aprils Full Moon shines through high clouds near the horizon, casting shadows in this garden-at-night skyscape. Along with canine sentinel Sandy watching the garden gate, the wide-angle snapshot also captured the bright Moons 22 degree ice halo. But Junes bright Full Moon will cast shadows too. This month, the Moons exact full phase occurs at 01:08 UTC June 22. Thats a mere 28 hours or so after todays June solstice (at 20:51 UTC June 20), the moment when the Sun reaches its maximum northern declination. Known to some as a Strawberry Moon, Junes Full Moon is at its southernmost declination, and of course will create its own 22 degree halos in hazy night skies.