A rare 'strawberry moon' appeared in the sky and it was stunning

LONDON — On Monday night, as crowds gathered to celebrate the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — something pretty rare occurred. In fact, this once-a-year phenomenon was upstaged by a nearly once-in-a-lifetime event. 

For the first time since 1967, the summer solstice coincided with a full moon; or a "strawberry moon." And, according to astronomers, the full moon won't appear again on the solstice until 2062. So, it'll be a bit of a wait — 46 years, to be precise. 

SEE ALSO: Crowds gather to see summer solstice sunrise at Stonehenge

Despite its name, a strawberry moon doesn't bear any resemblance to a strawberry. A strawberry moon refers to a full moon that occurs in the month of June, and it was given its name by Algonquin tribes in North America as it marks the start of strawberry picking season. 

Here are some of the most striking photos of the strawberry moon occurring during this year's summer solstice.

The strawberry moon was spotted hovering above London on Monday night.

Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Image: Stefan Rousseau/ PA Wire/Press Association Images

Some captured photos of the moon in Merseyside in the north of England. 

The moon looked pretty spectacular as it rose behind Glastonbury Tor in southwest England. 

Image: Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images

The moon appeared to have an amber glow to it as it rose in the sky about Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire. 

And people captured the rare sight on the Northumberland coastline.