Full Strawberry 'Mini-Moon,' Saturn Visible Friday Night

Astronomy fans looking to the sky Friday night will be able to see the full "strawberry mini-moon," a celestial sight that gets its name due to the fact that June is the ideal season for strawberry harvesting.

The so-called "mini-moon" is named so because the moon will be at its furthest point from the Earth, though as Space.com notes, the moon won't technically be at its farthest point from the Earth tonight. That actually happened on Thursday around 6:30 p.m. and tonight the moon will be 81 miles closer to the Earth from that point. According to the Farmer's Almanac, the moon will appear 12.3 percent smaller than average.

In contrast to a "mini-moon," a supermoon is when the moon is closest to the Earth.

The actual full-moon moment comes at 9:10 a.m. Eastern time, however, given that the sun will be out, eager sky watchers will only be able to view the moon after sunset. In New York City, the sun will set at 8:26 p.m., according to the local weather forecast.

Space.com also notes that while the "mini-moon" might be lost to one who is not looking too closely, viewers are certain to notice Saturn, which will be "glowing sedately like a very bright yellow-white star." The moon and Saturn will be separated by about 2.5 degrees Friday night. If you happen to spot Saturn, you will see it glowing to the lower right of the full moon, according to the Farmer's Almanac.

Of course, getting a good view of tonight's sky and it's wonders is heavily dependent on the weather and whether it will be a night of clear skies.

In New York City, forecasters are predicting clear skies. Check out your local weather forecast to see if it'll be ideal for viewing in your neighborhood.

Image via Patch