Skywatchers around the world are in for a celestial treat next week as the first full moon of May, traditionally known as the “Flower Moon,” prepares to light up the night sky.
Appearing in the eastern sky at dusk on May 12, the full moon will shine brightly throughout the night before setting in the west with the arrival of dawn.
Enthusiasts can also catch a nearly full moon on the preceding day and the following day. However, this month’s full moon comes with a subtle difference.
Unlike the more widely recognised “supermoon”, the Flower Moon will be a “micromoon”, appearing slightly smaller than average.
This “micromoon” phenomenon, technically termed an apogee full moon, occurs due to the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth. This orbital path creates points where the moon is closest to our planet (perigee) and farthest away (apogee), according to Live Science.
This month, the point of apogee nearly coincides with the full moon.
The exact moment the moon reaches 100% fullness will be at 12:56pm EDT, when the sun is still high in the sky. Therefore, the best time to observe the luminous orb will be later that day during dusk.
To maximise viewing pleasure, it is recommended to find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon and to consult local moonrise and moonset times.
As it ascends or descends, the moon may also take on an orange hue as a result of the Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon that gives us vibrant sunsets.
Lunar enthusiasts can anticipate the next full moon, the Strawberry Moon, which will grace the night sky on June 11, marking the final 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.
