The Flower Moon will light up the night sky on the first day of May, which marks the midpoint between summer and spring. May’s full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will peak on Friday, May 1.
As USA Today reports, the Flower Moon was given that name because it falls in the middle of spring, when flowers, trees and bushes bloom throughout nature. Like other full moons, May’s full moon is known by multiple names given to it by different cultures throughout history, including Frog Moon, Milk Moon and Hare’s Moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
Here’s what to know about the Flower Moon.
When can you see the Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon will peak on May 1, at 1:23 p.m. ET, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. While it peaks in the afternoon, the moon will still look full at night and for a few days after.
The full moon will be visible around the globe, but cloudy skies might obscure backyard astronomers’ views, so be sure to check the weather in your area before going out to check the night sky.
Why is it called a Flower Moon?
May’s full moon is called many things, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, including:
- Corn, or Corn Planting Moon
- Milk Moon
- Hare’s Moon
- Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha Purnima
- Mothers’ Moon
- Grass Moon
Once in a Blue Moon is Coming Soon
The Flower Moon won’t be the only full moon we can expect this month! A blue moon will also take place on May 31, giving us two full moons, one on the first day of the month and another on the last day of the month.
A blue moon is not a common occurrence, hence the expression “once in a blue moon,” and only occurs every 2.5 years, according to NASA. The last blue moon occurred on Aug. 19, 2024, when the moon was a super blue moon, meaning it was the closest it had been to Earth that month and appeared brighter and larger.
The blue moon occurring later in the month will appear smaller than usual, a phenomenon known as a micromoon. According to NASA, this occurs when the celestial body is at its farthest point from Earth, about 251,000 miles away.
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