With the arrival of May, The firmament is preparing one of its most anticipated spectacles: the full moon, traditionally known as the "Flower Moon."This phenomenon, which will occur on the evening of May 12, 2025, will be visible to all those who wish to look up and reconnect with the natural rhythms that mark spring.
Nature reaches its peak at this time, and The full moon acts as a reflection of spring's splendor, illuminating fields and cities with its characteristic silvery glow.No matter where you are, the show is on as long as the sky is clear and artificial lights don't interfere too much.
The origin and meaning of the "Flower Moon"
The name of this Moon has roots in the native peoples of North America, who observed nature to name each full moon.In the case of May, the abundance of flowers following the rains and rising temperatures inspired the christening of the "Flower Moon." This tradition was later picked up and popularized by the Farmer's Almanac, spreading to other cultures over the centuries.
Other months have equally evocative names, such as the "Pink Moon" in April or the "Strawberry Moon" in June, each reflecting the seasonal changes and agricultural activities of yesteryearAlthough these names are known today more as cultural curiosities than practical tools, they still lend a poetic air to astronomical observation.
Lunar calendar for May 2025: phases and highlights
May 2025 not only brings us the Flower Moon; it is also a month full of lunar phases that enrich the nights of all sky lovers.
- First quarter: May 4 at 15:52 p.m.
- Full Moon (Flower Moon): May 12 at 18:56 p.m.
- Last quarter: May 20 at 13:58 p.m.
- New Moon: May 27 at 5:02 p.m.
How, when, and where to enjoy the Flower Moon
The full moon reaches its maximum at 18:56 p.m. Spanish time, but it's after sunset that the moon rises over the horizon and offers its best image. At that very moment, It usually exhibits warm tones, between orange, gold and reddish, an effect caused by the Earth's atmosphere filtering some of its light. As it ascends, it regains its traditional white light.
To appreciate this astronomical spectacle, you just have to look for places away from light pollution, such as mountains, small towns, or open countryside. It's not essential to use telescopes or binoculars, although the latter make it easier to distinguish the details and reliefs on the lunar surface.
It won't be a supermoon nor will it coincide with an eclipse, but Observing the "Flower Moon" remains accessible, simple and captivating for anyone.. Furthermore, those who wish to immortalize the moment can take good photos even with basic cameras or current mobile phones, always adjusting the settings to the brightness of the moon.
Other astronomical events in May along with the Flower Moon
The month of May is full of opportunities for those who enjoy the night sky. The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley's Comet, will be active during the first half of the month., although its maximum will be on May 6 and the proximity of the full moon could prevent the weakest trails from being seen.
Several planetary conjunctions also stand out: on May 23, The Moon will be in conjunction with Venus, and on May 28, our satellite will make an apparent close approach to Jupiter. Toward the end of the month, the arrival of the new moon will make it easier to observe distant objects such as nebulae and clusters, especially with binoculars or a simple telescope.
This month offers numerous opportunities to observe the sky and enjoy the magic of its phenomena.entrance of spring» in the northern hemisphere coincides with this spectacular lunar moment, inviting everyone to come out, look up, and marvel at the beauty of the cosmos.
