On Monday, May 12, the Flower Moon will light up the sky, shining from the east to the west. It will be a night of beauty and wonder as the full moon graces us with its presence. But wait, there’s more! The moon will also be bright and full on Sunday and Tuesday, making it a three-day event of lunar magic.
Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the deal with this Flower Moon?” Well, let me tell you. This upcoming full moon is not just any ordinary full moon, it’s a “micromoon.” Yeah, you heard me right, a micromoon. It’s like the opposite of a supermoon, so it might not be as big and flashy as you’d expect. The fancy term for a micromoon is an apogee full moon, in case you want to impress your friends with your moon knowledge.
So, why is this moon going to be a bit smaller than usual? It all comes down to the moon’s orbit around our lovely planet Earth. Sometimes, the moon is closer to us (perigee) and other times, it’s farther away (apogee). This time around, the moon will be chilling at a distance of 251,828 miles, instead of the average 238,855 miles. That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?
The big moment when the moon is officially 100% full will be at 12:56 p.m. EDT, but the real show will be later in the day when the sun takes a nap. So, if you want to catch a glimpse of this lunar spectacle, make sure to check out the moonrise and moonset times in your area. Find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, and get ready to be wowed by the moon illusion. It’s like magic, but not really.
May’s full moon has many names, depending on who you ask. The Anishinaabe people call it the Sucker Moon, while the Anglo-Saxons prefer the Milk Moon. Others call it the Mothers’ Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, or Grass Moon. It’s like a moon with an identity crisis, but hey, who doesn’t love a moon with options?
Looking ahead, the next full moon will be the Strawberry Moon, coming on June 11. It’s the final full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the kickoff to winter in the Southern Hemisphere. So, mark your calendars and get ready for another night of lunar gazing.
As the moon continues to dance across the sky, let’s remember to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our celestial companion. After all, who knows what secrets and mysteries the moon holds in its cratered surface? So, grab your binoculars, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the show. Happy moon-watching, everyone!
