Stargazers can look towards the skies to see a glowing spectacle this May – as the ‘Flower Moon’ will reach its peak.
Maybe you managed to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights earlier this month, well now you can awaken to the joys of spring and take in May’s special full moon.
It is also known as the ‘Budding Moon’ and the ‘Seed Moon’.
When will the Flower Moon be visible?
The next full moon or ‘Flower Moon’ will reach its peak on Monday, May 12, at 5.56pm in the UK.
But don’t worry that it’s still light when it reaches its peak - it’ll still appear full over the entire night.
Why is it called a Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon was so-called by Native Americans due to May being the time when flowers started to bloom in the warmer weather.
The Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) website also offers some tips on how to see the full moon and explains what the Flower Moon is.
The RMG website says: “Over time, different cultures have given names to full moons across the lunar calendar.
“Many of the Moon’s nicknames have come to us from Native American culture because for their way of life, the cycles of the lunar phases were just as important a method of timekeeping as the longer solar cycle of the year (from which the modern Gregorian calendar is derived).”
According to astrologers the full moon can also encourage “powerful shifts in relationships and personal growth”.
How to take a photo of the Flower Moon
The RMG states that the basics of taking a picture of the moon remain the same whether you choose to use a phone, compact camera or SLR.
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You’ll need to go to a location that has an unobstructed view of the moon for several hours.
The website adds: “If you want to focus just on the moon, you'll need a telephoto lens or telescope.
“These aren't necessary if you're trying for more of a landscape photograph, but just remember that if you want to include specific landmarks or features then you'll need to plan ahead for the best shot.”
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