May will witness two full moons, as the month is expected to host numerous rare lunar phenomena.
This occurrence takes place approximately every 2.5 to 3 years. The first full moon is set for Friday, May 1, and is classified as a micro moon.
The full moon in May is commonly known as the Flower Moon. The designation of Flower Moon arises from the abundance of flowers that bloom during this season in the northern hemisphere.
Additional names for May’s full moon include the Budding Moon and the Planting Moon. A new moon will occur on May 16. This phase of the moon is not visible.
However, this year, the new moon in May is categorised as a super moon.
The second full moon of May will take place on May 31. This event is referred to as a blue moon, as it represents the second full moon within a single month.
Does the moon appear blue?
It is important to note that the moon does not actually appear blue, this term is simply used to describe the second full moon in a month.
The expression “once in a blue moon” originates from this phenomenon, as it is a rare lunar event. The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not circular, rather, it follows an elliptical trajectory.
This means that its path resembles an oval, with points in its orbit that are closest to and farthest from the Earth.
When a full moon or a new moon coincides with either the farthest or closest point in its orbital path, it is designated as a micro or super moon. Both terms can apply to either a full moon or a new moon.
A micro moon occurs at a point known as apogee, which is the maximum distance the moon can be from the Earth in its orbit. When a micro moon coincides with a full moon, its appearance is slightly smaller and dimmer compared to a typical full moon.
