Flower Moon 2025: When and Where to See May’s Celestial Spectacle

Get ready for a celestial treat! The highly anticipated Flower Moon will grace our skies in May 2025, offering a stunning spectacle for stargazers and astrophotography enthusiasts alike. This year promises a brighter-than-usual lunar event, but the timing and viewing locations are key to experiencing its full glory.

The Flower Moon, named for the abundant blooms of wildflowers during this time of year in North America and Europe, will reach peak illumination on May 12, 2025, at 12:56 p.m. EDT (17:56 GMT). While peak illumination occurs during the day for many, the moon will appear full and bright on the nights of May 11th, 12th, and 13th. As noted by the Old Farmer's Almanac, moonrise in the Rochester area will happen by roughly 8:54 p.m. Monday, May 12, and will set at 5:23 a.m. Tuesday, May 13. For White Plains, moonrise is expected around 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, and set at 5:13 a.m. Tuesday, May 13.

Why the Name?

The name "Flower Moon" is deeply rooted in nature, symbolizing the vibrant season of blossoming flora. Other names include the Budding Moon, Leaf Budding Moon, and Planting Moon, all reflecting the awakening of nature and the start of the farming season. Additionally, May also brings other celestial events, New Yorkers can see the first quarter moon's close approach with Mars around May 3-4. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak May 5-6, which can bring fast meteors and up to 50 per hour during the peak. The moon, Venus and Saturn are aligning around May 23.

Micro Moon Effect

Interestingly, the May 2025 full moon will also be a micromoon, meaning it coincides with the moon's apogee – its farthest point from Earth. This will make it appear slightly smaller (about 14%) and dimmer (about 30%) compared to a supermoon. Even though it's a micromoon, it is a sight to behold.

Viewing Tips

To fully appreciate the Flower Moon, find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, preferably away from city lights. Skywatching apps like SkySafari or Starry Night can provide precise moonrise times for your specific location.

Just after moonrise, you might notice an orange or yellow hue due to the scattering of blue wavelengths by Earth's atmosphere. This effect intensifies the visual appeal of the event, and makes it a special sight to behold! Those hoping to view faint objects will have to deal with increased light reflected, but will still be plenty to see beyond the moon. Mars and Jupiter will be visible in the western sky soon after the sunset!

Celestial Exploration

While the full moon's brightness can make it challenging to observe lunar surface details like craters, the dark basaltic maria (lunar seas) and bright ejecta rays from impact sites will be prominently visible.

For those keen on capturing the moment, explore expert guides on lunar photography and the best cameras for astrophotography. Consider also looking into telescope deals for a more in-depth view of the Moon!

The Flower Moon of May 2025 promises to be a captivating event. Will you be setting your alarm to catch a glimpse? Share your viewing plans and astrophotography shots in the comments below!

• Astronomy
• Flower Moon
• May 2025

Related issues news

When is May's full moon?

May's moon will appear full to our eyes starting Sunday night May 11 through early Tuesday, May 13. The May 2025 full moon, also called the 'flower moon,' officially occurs on Monday, May 12, giving skywatchers who are now enjoying milder conditions a chance to see a micromoon.

When to see the flower moon?

The Flower Moon is the name given to the full Moon that occurs in May, and you'll be able to see it rise on 12 May 2025 at 21:28 BST. And the May 2025 full Moon is also a 'micromoon', because it is at its furthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than usual.

When is the full moon in Scorpio?

The Scorpio full Moon, also known as the flower Moon, takes place on May 12, 2025, at 9:57 am PT.