Tonight’s full moon is the May Flower Moon, offering a spectacular view that will last for three nights, with Venus also shining brightly in the sky. This full moon, which occurs when the moon is positioned opposite the sun with the Earth in between, will reach its peak illumination at 12:56 p.m. on May 12, 2025, and will look full on the evening of May 13.
Every 29.5 days, a full moon graces the skies, usually appearing once each month. However, on occasions when two full moons occur in a single month, the second is referred to as a ‘blue moon.’ The next occurrence of a blue moon is set for May 31, 2026.
To enjoy the Flower Moon, it’s best to find a location with clear views of the horizon. For those curious about moonrise and moonset times in their area, various resources are available to provide this information.
The phases of the moon for May 2025 include:
– First Quarter: May 4
– Full Moon: May 12
– Last Quarter: May 20
– New Moon: May 27
The term “Flower Moon” originates from the abundance of flowers blooming during May, as captured by the adage, “April showers bring May flowers.” This full moon also goes by names such as the Budding Moon and the Planting Moon, highlighting its connection to nature’s rebirth and the agricultural cycle.
Interestingly, this year’s Flower Moon will be a micromoon, appearing smaller than usual. This phenomenon occurs when the full moon coincides with its apogee, the farthest point in its orbit from Earth, resulting in a moon that is about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than when it’s at its closest.
Looking ahead, the next full moon after May will be the Strawberry Moon, which is set to illuminate the skies on June 11, 2025. Observing these celestial events can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the universe around us.