Rare 'honey moon'

First time since 1919, a series of events have come together at the same time that won't happen again 2098 - June 13th each time!

The 'honey moon' gets its name because of the summer solstice, which occurs June 21st and not because June is the beginning of the wedding season. :-) While the origin of the term "honeymoon" to describe the vacation taken by newlyweds is in dispute, it may be related to this event, dating to the 1500s.

The solstice marks the longest day of the year when the moon is at its lowest elevation, meaning closer to the horizon, causing a yellowish tint to it's appearance due to dust particles scattering the light waves.

Every full moon in June is called a honey moon but this year's is so rare as it coincides with the perigee which is the point at which the moon is closest to the earth making it appear larger in the sky.

Full moons on Friday the 13th happen every couple of years but the last time it happened in June was 1919.

The 'honey moon' is also called the 'strawberry moon' with association with the Native Americans as the time when strawberries were ripening.