Flower Moon 2025: Date and how to watch May's full moon which is also a micromoon

FLOWER MOON: May's Full Flower Moon marks the bloom of spring flowers. Native Americans named it Budding Moon, Egg Laying Moon, and Planting Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it Milk Moon, while the Celts and Old English referred to it as Mothers' Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, and Grass Moon.

As dusk falls on Monday, 12 May, sky-watchers will witness May’s full moon rising in the east. Known as the Flower Moon, it will shine brightly all night and set in the west by dawn. Even on Sunday, 11 May, and Tuesday, 13 May, the moon will appear almost full.

This month’s full moon won’t be its usual size. That’s because it’s a “micromoon” — a full moon at its farthest point from Earth. This event, technically called an apogee full moon, happens when the moon reaches the far end of its slightly oval orbit around Earth.

A Smaller But Spectacular Sight
On Monday, the moon will sit about 251,828 miles (405,278 kilometres) away. That’s well beyond the average lunar distance of 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometres), according to AstroPixels. The moon will officially be 100% full at 12:56 p.m. EDT, though it’s best viewed at dusk.

To catch the best view, find a clear eastern horizon. At moonrise, it will seem especially large and orange. This is due to the moon illusion and a light-scattering effect known as Rayleigh scattering, which makes it appear tinted during rise and set.

More Than Just a Flower Moon
May’s full moon has many traditional names from cultures across the world. It’s called the Flower Moon because of blooming spring flowers. The Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes call it the Sucker Moon. Anglo-Saxon traditions named it the Milk Moon, linked to increased dairy production. Other names include Mothers’ Moon, Hare Moon, Bright Moon and Grass Moon.

What’s Next in the Night Sky
The next full moon will be the Strawberry Moon, rising on Wednesday, 11 June. It will look best the night before, on Tuesday, 10 June, during dusk. It will be the last full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This lunar event falls just 11 days before the summer solstice on Saturday, 21 June.

Whether small or bright, May’s full moon promises a quiet, beautiful moment for anyone looking up.