2025's Full Moon: The Blossoming Moon Veils the Crimson Star, Antares

The Blossoming Moon of May: On May 12, the Flower Moon will grace the eastern skies of the U.S. during evening hours. Two days later, spectators in select regions may witness a captivating event, as the just-past-full moon occults the star Antares.

Moonlit nights occur when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun and fully illuminated. These events happen roughly every 29.5 days, although it takes the moon a slightly shorter 27.3 days to complete one revolution around our planet due to Earth's movement.

The full moon will make its appearance on May 12 at 12:55 p.m. Eastern Time (1656 UTC). In New York City, the luminous orb is expected to rise at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with sunset happening at 8:03 p.m. the same day. The celestial body will reside within the constellation Libra during this phase.

For those eager to observe the lunar display, consider the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as recommended equipment, as it shines as the top-tier choice in our best beginner's telescope guide.

It’s worth noting that the rising time of the moon varies based on latitude, with southward locations experiencing an earlier moonrise relative to sunset. For instance, in Miami, moonrise occurs at 8:15 p.m., while sunset takes place at 7:58 p.m. In contrast, Honolulu, where the full moon occurs at 6:56 a.m., moonrise won't occur until 7:28 p.m., with sunset happening at 7:01 p.m.

Two days post the full moon, on May 14, the moon is predicted to pass in front of the star Antares, the brilliant beacon in Scorpius, the Scorpion. Unfortunately, no visible occultation will take place in our hemisphere; instead, fans from the southern half of South America will be treated to an enthralling display as the moon passes close to Antares.

Curious about stargazing tips or the best gear to capture the event? Our guides on how to photograph a lunar eclipse, how to photograph the moon with a camera, and recommendations on best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can provide valuable insight to help you make the most of the experience.

If binoculars or telescopes pique your interest, be sure to check out our guides for the best binoculars and best telescopes to ensure an enriching exploration of lunar landscapes. Feel free to delve deeper into your cosmic journey with our comprehensive guide on The ultimate guide to observing the moon.

Related: Exploring the Moon

Separately, the nocturnal sky outside of the occultation zone will still offer a kaleidoscope of planets. On the evening of May 12, Jupiter will shine from the western sky as the moon rises, while Mars will glow in the southwestern horizon. From New York City, Jupiter will stand tall at 8:30 p.m., roughly 21 degrees high, making it one of the evening's prominent celestial bodies. Mars, on the other hand, will be 56 degrees in altitude, but may require some patience to become distinct.

The next planet to emerge will be Saturn, which rises in New York City at 3:35 a.m. on May 13. Venus follows at 3:50 a.m., with sunrise appearing at 5:40 a.m. and Venus remaining visible until at least 5 a.m., given clear skies around the local horizon.

As one moves southward, the planets will appear higher in the sky, with corresponding changes in rising and setting times. In Miami, moonrise takes place at 8:15 p.m., and Jupiter will be almost 26 degrees above the western horizon. Mars will stand tall in the southwest, setting at 1:35 a.m. on May 13. Equatorial locations such as Quito enjoy the added benefit of witnessing the early evening appearance of Jupiter and Mars, as they sit higher in the sky, providing excellent observing conditions.

Constellations

For Northern Hemisphere viewers, the winter constellations, including Orion, Taurus, Gemini, and Canis Major, will have disappeared by 9 p.m. and given way to spring and summer stars. From the latitude of New York City, Chicago, or Denver, one can face south, look skyward, and lay eyes on Leo the Lion. To locate Leo, simply find Mars (which is also quite high and noticeably red) and travel eastward. You will first come across a distinct "sickle" shape, with Regulus, the Lion's brightest star, at the bottom of the handle—the mane and front paws of the Lion.

Searching to the left of Regulus will lead you to Chertan and Denebola, the Lion's tail. Above those two stars, you will find Zosma, the Lion's rump. The path from Zosma to Denebola leads you to Virgo, where Spica—the brightest star in that constellation—awaits discovery. If your observing site isn't overly light-polluted, you may even spot a faint group of four stars forming a small, crooked box shape—this is Corvus, the Crow.

Continue westward from Corvus to find a faint line of stars, marking the end of Hydra, the Water Snake. In the Southern Hemisphere, the nights are growing longer, and constellations such as Centaur and Crux will be more prominent in the night sky.

Flower Moon Lore

The full moon of May is often called the Flower Moon, as blooms will be in full swing in North America and Europe around that time. This moniker likely has roots in the beliefs of various Native American cultures. The Haida, for example, who reside in the Pacific Northwest, would have referred to the May moon cycle as Tahálaa Kungáay, the Food Gathering Moon. Among the Cherokee, the "Flower Moon" corresponded with April, and May would be called the "Planting Moon."

In the Buddhist calendar of Southeast Asia, the full moon of May is celebrated as Buddha's birthday and is a significant festival in countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Many observant Jews view the full moon of May as the "Second Passover," or the 14th day of the month of Iyar. It was established as a means for individuals who could not make Passover offerings at the Temple due to circumstances such as ritual impurity or travel. This holiday symbolizes the opportunity to rectify past transgressions.

Editor's Note: Submit your images of the full Flower Moon to our website for possible publication, along with your name and location.

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As the Flower Moon illuminates the skies, food enthusiasts might find solace in the kitchen, experimenting with local, seasonal ingredients that bloom in sync with the moon.
During the days following the full Flower Moon, technological advancements in science could be a fascinating exploration, particularly in areas like space-and-astronomy, where technology is constantly evolving to capture and study lunar landscapes.