When Saturn, Sun aligned on Earth's opposite sides and 'Strawberry Moon' was sighted

The month of June seems to be studded with exciting celestial events. While those living in North America and Pacific regions swore for the magnificent 'Strawberry Moon'lighting up the sky on June 28, NASA asked astronomy enthusiasts to look intently at the sky on June 27 to witness a rare celestial event.

The night sky on June 27 saw Saturn and Sun on the "opposite sides of Earth". "It rises at sunset and sets at sunrise," NASA's statement on its social handle read.

According to the space research organisation, "Great Saturn viewing will last several more months. The best views will be just after midnight. All year, the rings have been tilted wide open--almost 26 degrees wide this month--giving us a great view of Saturn's distinctive rings."

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"The tilt offers us a view of the north polar region. Near Saturn, the brightest asteroid--Vesta--is so bright that it can be seen with your unaided eye. It will be visible for several months. A detailed star chart will help you pick out the asteroid from the stars. The summer Milky way provides a glittery backdrop," NASA added.

Meanwhile, social media was flushed with pictures of 'Strawberry Moon'that many sighted on June 28 across North America and Pacific areas.

Reports suggest the full moon was the seventh to rise out of this year's 13 full moon phases.

The name of the lunar event has nothing to do with the colour of the Moon and is not suggestive of the fact that the moon will appear pinkish in colour.

Various cultures have different names for full moon sightings to keep a track of seasons, change in landscape and harvest. It is believed that the full moon in the month of June calls for the ripening of berries like strawberries and hence the name of the lunar event.

As per reports, Moon and Saturn aligned next to each other in what is described as a rare celestial event that lit up the sky on Thursday night.