Tonight's the night for a special 'strawberry moon': Summer solstice coincides with a full moon for the first time since 1967 As the sun sinks below the horizon tonight, eyes will be fixed on the sky – with spectators admiring a rare astrological event. For the first time since 1967, the longest day of the year – known as the summer solstice – will coincide with a 'strawberry moon.' Despite the name, the moon will not appear pink or red. It is the name given by Native American tribes to the June full moon which they believed signalled the beginning of the strawberry picking season.