The Flower Moon, the traditional name for May's full moon, will grace the skies this weekend on May 1 and May 2, 2026. This celestial event is also a 'micromoon,' meaning the moon sits at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller than average.
What is the Flower Moon?
The name 'Flower Moon' originates from Native American seasonal traditions and was later adopted by the Farmer's Almanac. It marks the time of year when flowers bloom widely across the Northern Hemisphere, officially signalling the arrival of warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
When and How to See It
The Flower Moon reaches its full phase on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6:23 p.m. BST. It will climb across the southern sky throughout the night before setting around dawn. The moon will first appear low on the eastern horizon as daylight fades. For the best views, look for clear skies and breaks in cloud cover across the UK.
As a micromoon, the moon will appear smaller than a typical full moon because it is at apogee, the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. However, the difference is subtle and may not be noticeable without careful observation.
Other Full Moon Names
The Flower Moon is one of many full moons with informal nicknames, including the Pink Moon (April), Strawberry Moon (June), Wolf Moon (January), and Hunter's Moon (October). These names often reflect seasonal changes or natural phenomena.
To get more news like this, follow Birmingham Live on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, and set us as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quicker access.
