When is the next full moon? Here's what's special about May's Flower Moon
The May full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will illuminate the sky on Thursday, May 23, 2024, heralding the peak of spring and the season of rebirth and renewal. In Arizona, observers can catch sight of the Flower Moon illuminating the sky in the early morning.
Whether you're stargazing from a remote location or enjoying the view from home, here is everything you need to know about the May 2024 Flower Moon.
For more skywatching, check out the our celestial calendar of all the full moons, meteor showers and other astronomical events in 2024. And don't forget: The Devil Comet is coming in 2024.
What is the Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon is the traditional name given to the full moon that occurs in May. It springs from the abundance of flowers that bloom during this time of year, signaling the arrival of spring in its full splendor.
What is special about May's full moon?
May's full moon is often called the Flower Moon because it coincides with the blooming of many flowers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. May's full moon holds cultural or spiritual significance in various traditions, with rituals, festivals and ceremonies commemorating the arrival of spring and the renewal of life, according to Time and Date.
What day is the full moon in May?
The May 2024 full moon can be seen on Thursday, May 23.
When can you see the Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon will be full starting at 6:53 a.m. Arizona time on May 23.
How to see the May full moon
You'll be able to see the May full moon by simply looking up anywhere in the sky at 6:53 a.m., according to Time and Date. You don't need to find a remote location or use any viewing devices. The moon will be visible during daylight because it reflects the light of the sun.
How long does a full moon last?
The duration of a full moon typically lasts for a single night, but the moon may appear full for a few nights in a row, depending on your location and atmospheric conditions, according to Time and Date. The exact moment of the full moon, when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, lasts only an instant.
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
Support local journalism and subscribe to azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: May full moon 2024: Why the Flower Moon is special
