Top astronomy events for May 2025
This May brings us a meteor shower visible around the world and a planetary alignment with our moon.
April showers bring May flowers, but this month’s full moon is called the Flower Moon, and here’s everything you should know about it before it blossoms into the night sky.
On Monday, May 12, people will be able to see the full moon, although it might appear slightly smaller than usual, a phenomenon known as a micromoon. According to NASA, this occurs when the celestial body is at its farthest point from Earth, about 251,000 miles away.
What time can I see the micromoon?
The Flower Moon will be at its peak illumination at 12:56 p.m. EDT, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Will it be cloudy Monday night?
Most of the country will have clear skies Monday afternoon except for the Southeast, West and Northwest when the moon is at its peak, according to the National Weather Service.
Why is it called a Flower Moon?
May’s full moon is called many things, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, as the warmer weather makes a return across North America:
- Corn, or Corn Planting Moon
- Flower Moon
- Milk Moon
- Hare’s Moon
- Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha Purnima
What’s the difference between a regular full moon and a micromoon?
When is the next full moon?
The following dates list out the rest of the full moons in 2025:
- June 11– Strawberry Moon
- July 10– Buck Moon
- Aug. 9– Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 7– Harvest Moon
- Oct. 6– Hunter’s Moon
- Nov. 5– Beaver Moon
- Dec. 4– Cold Moon
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun
