May's full 'Flower Moon' rises tonight: Here's what to expect from the 'micromoon'
Space • • general
Key Points:
- The May full moon, known as the "Flower Moon," will be fully illuminated at 1:23 p.m. EDT on May 1 and can be seen rising at sunset, symbolizing the bloom of spring in the northern hemisphere.
- This full moon is a "micromoon," occurring when the moon is near its farthest point from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller than average.
- At moonrise, the Flower Moon may appear yellow-orange due to Rayleigh scattering as its light passes through Earth's atmosphere, and it will be visible alongside bright stars like Spica and Arcturus, as well as planets Venus and Jupiter.
- The Flower Moon sets the stage for a rare "Blue Moon" on May 31, which is the second full moon in a single calendar month, a phenomenon that occurs roughly every 2.5 years due to the lunar cycle's length relative to the calendar month.
- Observers are encouraged to use telescopes or binoculars for a closer look at the full moon, with guides available for those interested in exploring Earth's natural satellite in more detail.
