Look up tonight! May’s full moon, affectionately known as the Flower Moon, is set to grace the night sky on May 12th, 2025, offering a beautiful spectacle for stargazers and photographers. Get ready to witness this annual lunar event – here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Flower Moon?
A full moon happens when the Earth sits directly between the sun and the moon. This alignment allows sunlight to completely illuminate the side of the moon facing us.
Tonight’s full moon reaches its peak brightness at 7:55 PM Bahrain time (17:56 GMT). It earns its charming nickname, “Flower Moon,” particularly in North America and Europe, because it coincides with the time of year when spring wildflowers burst into vibrant bloom. Other traditional names include the Budding Moon, Planting Moon, and Milk Moon, reflecting the themes of renewal and growth in the natural world during May.
When and Where to See It
While the moon reaches peak illumination this evening, it will appear full to the naked eye tonight and for a night or two afterward (May 11-13).
To catch the show, find a spot with a clear view of the southeastern horizon shortly after sunset. The exact time of moonrise depends on your specific location, so using a stargazing app (like SkySafari or Starry Night) or checking astronomy websites (like Time and Date or In-The-Sky.org) for local times is highly recommended.
As the moon first climbs above the horizon, you might notice it glowing with a warm yellow or orange tint. This isn’t the moon changing color, but rather an effect of Earth’s atmosphere. Moonlight travels through more atmosphere when the moon is low, scattering away shorter, blue wavelengths and letting the longer, redder wavelengths pass through to your eyes.
Interestingly, this year’s Flower Moon is also a “micromoon.” This means it coincides with apogee, the point in the Moon’s elliptical orbit where it’s farthest from Earth (around 405,000 km away tonight). While technically about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a “supermoon” (when the moon is closest), the difference isn’t usually obvious without a direct comparison. You might even experience the opposite effect – the “moon illusion,” a trick of the mind where the moon appears larger when it’s near the horizon.
What to Look For
The brilliant light of a full moon can make it tricky to spot fine details like craters and mountain ranges, as the direct sunlight washes out shadows. However, it’s a perfect time to observe the large, dark patches known as maria (Latin for “seas”). These are vast plains formed billions of years ago when colossal impact basins filled with lava, which later cooled and solidified. You can easily see these darker areas with your naked eye, binoculars, or a small telescope.
Also, look for bright streaks radiating outwards from some craters. These are “ejecta rays,” remnants of material blasted across the lunar surface by ancient impacts, serving as striking reminders of the moon’s dynamic past.
Beyond the Moon: Other Celestial Sights
While the Flower Moon will dominate the night sky, don’t forget to look around!
- Evening Planets: Soon after sunset, cast your gaze towards the western sky to spot the bright planets Jupiter and Mars.
- Bright Stars: High above the rising Flower Moon, you’ll find the prominent stars Arcturus and Spica adding their sparkle to the celestial display.
- Morning Planets: If you’re an early riser on May 13th, look towards the eastern horizon before dawn. You’ll see the planetary trio of Saturn, brilliant Venus, and faint Neptune rising as the moon descends towards the southwest.
Photographing the Flower Moon
Want to capture the beauty of the Flower Moon? While smartphone cameras can get a snapshot, for more detailed images, consider using a dedicated camera. Check expert guides on lunar photography for specific settings and techniques. Using a tripod is essential to avoid blurry shots. Generally, turn off the flash, use manual focus, and experiment with exposure settings. Shooting during moonrise allows you to incorporate landscape elements for dramatic compositions.
Whether you’re observing with your eyes, binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, enjoy the celestial flower power blooming in the night sky tonight!
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