The night sky will put on a dazzling display Friday as May’s full “Flower Moon” rises across the United States, marking one of the most recognizable lunar events of the spring season.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Flower Moon gets its name from the abundance of blooming flowers that appear throughout North America during early May. The tradition traces back to Native American seasonal naming customs.
The moon reached peak illumination at 1:23 p.m. EDT Friday, but astronomers say the best viewing opportunity comes after sunset when the full moon climbs above the eastern horizon.
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“This sweetly named celestial event is worth stepping outside for,” Good Housekeeping reported in its coverage of the lunar event.
This year’s Flower Moon is also considered a “micromoon,” meaning the moon is near its farthest point from Earth during its orbit. As a result, it may appear slightly smaller than a typical full moon.
As the moon rises low in the sky, viewers may notice a deep yellow or orange glow. Space.com reported the color effect happens because the moonlight passes through the densest part of Earth’s atmosphere during moonrise.
Skywatchers will also get another rare lunar event later this month. A second full moon, commonly called a “Blue Moon,” is expected on May 31.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
