The full moon of May is traditionally called the Flower Moon, a name derived from the abundance of springtime blossoms in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also known by other cultural names, including the Milk Moon (Anglo-Saxon origin, referencing increased milking of cows in May), the Sucker Moon (used by the Anishinaabe or Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes), and others such as the Bright Moon, Hare Moon, Mothers’ Moon, and Grass Moon.
This year, the Flower Moon will officially reach full phase at 12:56 p.m. EDT (or 9:56 p.m. PKT) on Sunday, May 12. While it will be at its fullest during the daytime for those in North America, observers across the globe will enjoy its glow during the night. The moon will rise in the eastern sky at dusk, remain visible all night, and set in the west at dawn.
Micromoon, Not a Supermoon
Unlike the eye-catching supermoons, which occur when the moon is at its closest point (perigee) to Earth and appears larger and brighter, the upcoming Flower Moon is a micromoon. This occurs when the moon reaches apogee, its farthest orbital point from Earth.
Read More: Israel approves full ‘conquest’ of Gaza – media
At apogee, the moon will be about 251,828 miles (405,278 km) away — significantly farther than its average distance of 238,855 miles (384,400 km). This means it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the sky, though still quite luminous to the casual observer.
The scientific name for this phenomenon is an “apogee full moon”, and it happens because the moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but an elliptical path. The close timing between apogee and the full moon this May gives rise to the micromoon.
Best Viewing Tips
To enjoy the Flower Moon at its best, find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. The moon will be most striking during moonrise at dusk and moonset at dawn, when it’s low in the sky. Local moonrise and moonset times may vary by region, so checking local listings is advisable.
As the moon ascends or descends, it may appear to glow orange, a result of Rayleigh scattering — the same atmospheric effect that makes sunsets look red. During this time, shorter blue light wavelengths scatter out, allowing warmer hues to dominate. Another optical illusion to watch for is the “moon illusion”, where the moon looks larger near the horizon due to visual perception tricks not yet fully understood by scientists.
Read More: Israel strikes ‘dozens of targets’ in Yemen (VIDEOS)
Looking ahead, the next full moon will be the Strawberry Moon, which rises on June 11. It marks the last full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere), occurring just 11 days before the summer solstice on June 21.