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The emerging full Flower Moon will be observable worldwide.(Image credit: Andrew Merry via Getty Images)Share this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleSubscribe to our newsletter
The first full moon of May, referred to as the Flower Moon, will achieve its peak illumination at 1:24 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 1. Even though this specific moment will occur during daylight hours in North America, the moon will present a full appearance throughout the night on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
As is customary, the most captivating time to witness the full moon is during its ascent in the east. This month, that event coincides with dusk on May Day — a day that signifies the midpoint between the spring equinox in March and the summer solstice in June for the Northern Hemisphere — when it appears shortly after sunset.
This Flower Moon marks the year’s inaugural micromoon, indicating that it occurs when the moon is positioned near its apogee — the furthest point in its slightly elliptical orbit from Earth. The lunar body will be approximately 250,000 miles (402,000 kilometers) from our planet, roughly 5% more distant than its average proximity. Consequently, it will seem somewhat smaller and less luminous than usual. While the difference is subtle, it stands in contrast to the larger, brighter supermoons observed when the moon is nearer to Earth. This year’s supermoon period commences in November, with a notably large supermoon anticipated on Christmas Eve.
Despite its comparatively modest size, the Flower Moon will still appear substantial when viewed near the horizon. This phenomenon is attributed to the “moon illusion,” a perceptual trick that causes our natural satellite to seem larger when observed alongside foreground elements like structures or foliage. As it ascends, the Flower Moon will also exhibit an orange hue, a result of Rayleigh scattering.
The moniker Flower Moon originates from the blossoms that emerge in the Northern Hemisphere during May, as reported by Time and Date. Indigenous American tribes also referred to it as the Budding Moon, Egg Laying Moon, and Planting Moon. Additional appellations include the Mothers’ Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, and Grass Moon. The Center for Native American Studies notes that the Anishinaabe people residing in the Great Lakes region designated this full moon as Nimebine Giizis, or Sucker Moon.
The second full moon of the month is slated for May 31. Known as a Blue Moon, this occurrence will make May 2026 a rare month with two full moons. According to NASA, a mere 6% of all full moons are classified as Blue Moons, which can only happen in the final two or three days of a month. May’s Blue Moon will also qualify as a micromoon, being the most remote — and consequently, the most diminutive — full moon of the year.
While the full moon is readily discernible to the naked eye, a quality backyard telescope or a pair of stargazing binoculars can aid in pinpointing renowned celestial features, including remnants of Apollo missions and craters. A capable camera can also facilitate the capture of striking images of Earth’s natural companion.
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