This May, two full moons will rise in the sky. In English-speaking countries, the first is known as the Flower Moon and the second as the Blue Moon.
In today’s blog post, we explain where these names come from, how often two full moons can occur within a single month, and how to observe the Moon on 1 May.
Flower Moon
The next full moon will shine in the night sky on 1 May, rising over the Baltic region at around 9:45 pm. In Estonia, May is called the Leaf Month (lehekuu), but in English-speaking countries it is generally seen as the time when flowers are in bloom — hence the name Flower Moon.
As the lunar cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, we will see the full moon twice this May, resulting in a total of 13 full moons this year instead of the usual 12.
Blue Moon
The second full moon will rise on 31 May, shortly before midnight, at around 11:50 pm (UTC+3). When low on the horizon, the Moon may appear particularly large and take on a warm orange hue.
So why is this phenomenon called a Blue Moon? The term is very old and does not refer to the Moon’s colour. Historically, the word blue could also mean strange or unusual, and when referring to mood, melancholic or sad.
Because of the length of the lunar cycle, the chance to see two full moons in a single month occurs roughly every 2.5 to 3 years. After this May, the next occurrence is expected in January 2029.
How to Observe the Flower Moon?
On 1 May 2026, the full moon will rise in the south-east, travel across the southern sky, and set in the south-west in the early hours of the morning.
As the full moon sits opposite the Sun in the sky, it follows a similar path. This means that in winter, when the Sun’s path remains relatively low, the Moon appears higher in the sky.
In May, however, the Sun’s path grows higher as spring progresses. As a result, the full moon appears relatively low, so a clear view of the southern horizon is essential for observation.
This 1 May, the full moon is also known as a micromoon, as the Moon is at its furthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear slightly smaller than usual.
If you would like a closer look at the Moon’s surface, you can find a suitable instrument in our product range: www.teleskoobid.ee.
Enjoy your Moon watching!
