Stargazers are in for a treat this week as May’s full moon, known as the Flower Moon, graces the sky, peaking on Thursday morning.
When to Watch
May’s full moon, aptly named for the late spring bloom of many plants, will reach its peak illumination on Thursday at 9:53 a.m. ET, according to NASA. However, the best viewing times are on Wednesday and Thursday nights, as the moon will be below the horizon during its peak in some regions, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The Flower Moon will start to rise after sunset on Wednesday, reaching its highest point after midnight, as noted by EarthSky.
Celestial Highlights
In some parts of the world, including the Washington, DC area, the full moon will pass so close to the bright star Antares on Thursday night that the star will appear to vanish behind the moon, an event highlighted by NASA.
Origins and Names
The name “Flower Moon” is believed to have originated from the Algonquin people who lived in Canada and parts of the northeastern United States, as reported by the Farmer’s Almanac. However, various cultures have coined numerous creative names for May’s full moon, celebrating the arrival of warmer weather and new life in spring.
• Old English Name: Known as the “Milk Moon,” referring to the archaic English word for May. St. Bede the Venerable, an eighth-century monk, called May the month of three milkings, believing cows could be milked three times daily in late spring.
• Cree Name: Called the “Frog Moon,” likely due to the spring peeper frog’s chirp, which signals the arrival of warm weather.
• Dakota and Lakota Name: Known as the “Planting Moon,” marking the agricultural practice of spring planting for a healthy harvest.
Historical Significance
The Flower Moon also played a minor role in a dark period of US history. Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” explores the murders of Osage people in Oklahoma, which began in May 1921, coinciding with the Flower Moon.
As the Flower Moon rises, it brings with it not just light, but also a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance, making it a special celestial event to observe.