May’s full Flower Moon will appear smaller and dimmer — but this micromoon still promises a stunning show in the night sky.
Credit : komkrit jeamkry, Shutterstock
It won’t light up the sky like a spotlight — but this May’s moon is one to look out for.
Something a bit different is happening up there. On Monday 12 May, we’ll be treated to a full moon that’s doing things a little more subtly. It’s known as the Flower Moon, and this time, it’s also a micromoon — meaning it’s further away from Earth than usual, and it might look just a bit smaller and dimmer than you’re used to.
So, what exactly is a micromoon?
We’ve all heard of supermoons — the ones that seem massive and extra bright in the sky. Well, a micromoon is basically the opposite. On 12 May, the Moon will be at its apogee, the furthest point in its orbit from Earth, more than 405,000 km away. That’s why it’ll look about 14 per cent smaller and up to 30 per cent dimmer than a typical full moon.
But don’t worry, it’s not something you need a telescope for. You’ll still notice the glow, especially if you’re in a place with little light pollution. It’ll rise in the east around sunset, stay with us all night, and then dip below the western horizon by sunrise. Even if you miss the peak on Monday, you’ll get a decent view on Sunday 11 and Tuesday 13 May.
What makes it the Flower Moon – and why it matters
No, the Moon won’t look like it’s blooming — but it does carry a name that reflects what’s happening down here on Earth. The Flower Moon is the traditional name for May’s full moon because it comes during the season when flowers really start showing off. It’s the second full moon of spring in the northern hemisphere, and the fifth of the year.
The name goes way back. Indigenous communities in North America (and others) gave each full moon a name that tied in with what was going on in nature — whether it was snow, harvests, or in this case, flowers. The Flower Moon is a lovely reminder that we’re heading into longer, warmer days — and summer isn’t far off.
May 2025 Moon phases – full moon and beyond
If you like following the Moon’s rhythm, here are the key dates for your calendar:
- First Quarter: 4 May
- Full Moon (Flower Micromoon): 12 May
- Last Quarter: 20 May
- New Moon: 27 May
And coming up after that? The Strawberry Moon will rise on Wednesday 11 June. It’s the last full moon of spring — and another good reason to glance up at the sky.
So, if the weather’s clear this weekend or early next week, step outside and look up. The May moon may be a little smaller and a touch less dramatic, but there’s something peaceful about it. It’s not flashy. It’s just quietly doing its thing — and maybe that’s exactly what we need right now.
