In May 2025, the full moon, known as the “flower moon,” will reach peak illumination at 12:56 PM on May 12, but will be visible in its full appearance from Sunday night, May 11, through early Tuesday, May 13. This full moon will also be classified as a micromoon, occurring when the moon is at apogee, its farthest point from Earth. As such, it will appear approximately 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a typical full moon.
May’s full moon is named after the blooming flowers of spring in North America, a tradition stemming from various cultural influences, including Native American and colonial sources. The term “flower moon” is attributed to the Algonquin people.
Alongside the full moon, May 2025 will also feature a meteor shower visible worldwide and a planetary alignment involving the moon, making it an exciting month for skywatchers, especially those enjoying milder weather.
To best view the full moon, it’s recommended to seek a location with unobstructed horizon views. Looking ahead, the next full moon after May will be the “strawberry moon” on June 11, 2025. The remainder of the full moon schedule for 2025 includes: Buck Moon on July 10, Sturgeon Moon on August 9, Harvest Moon on September 7, Hunter’s Moon on October 6, Beaver Moon on November 5, and Cold Moon on December 4.
This May’s celestial events offer a delightful opportunity for stargazers to engage with the natural beauty of the night sky.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
