Islamabad, May 5, 2025: Skywatchers around the globe are preparing for a special celestial event next week, as the first full moon of May, known as the “Flower Moon,” is set to illuminate the night sky.
The full moon will make its appearance in the eastern sky at dusk on May 12, shining brightly throughout the night before setting in the west at dawn.
Those keen to catch a glimpse of the moon can also observe a nearly full moon the day before and after, but this month’s full moon comes with a unique twist.
Unlike the much-talked-about “supermoon,” this Flower Moon will be classified as a “micromoon,” appearing slightly smaller than usual.
The micromoon, also referred to as an apogee full moon, occurs because of the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth.
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This orbit creates points where the moon is closest (perigee) and farthest away (apogee) from Earth.
For this full moon, the distance of moon from Earth will coincide closely with the apogee point, making it appear somewhat smaller than a typical full moon.
The exact moment when the moon reaches 100% fullness will occur at 12:56 p.m. EDT, when the sun is still high.
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The best time to view the moon is at dusk, from a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon.
As the moon rises or sets, it may take on an orange hue, thanks to Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon that produces vibrant sunsets.
The next full moon, the Strawberry Moon, will occur on June 11, marking the final full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere before the summer solstice.
