INDIANA – The Full Flower Moon will grace the night sky tonight. This May full moon, aptly named for the blooming wildflowers that characterize this time of year, will offer a breathtaking view for stargazers across the globe.
While the moon will reach its peak illumination, appearing 100% complete at 12:56 p.m. EDT (17:56 GMT) today, it will be below the horizon for those of us in the U.S. However, the show is just beginning.
Look towards the southeastern horizon around 8:30 p.m. local time tonight to witness the dramatic rise of the fully illuminated Flower Moon. Even if you miss its initial ascent, don’t fret – the moon will still appear full to the naked eye for the next couple of nights. The precise timing of moonrise will vary slightly depending on your exact location.
As the Flower Moon appears near the horizon tonight, you might perceive it as larger than usual. This is a fascinating optical illusion known as the “moon illusion.” Despite our perception, the moon’s actual size in the sky remains consistent whether it’s high above or near the horizon. While NASA notes that the exact cause of this illusion isn’t fully understood, theories suggest it relates to how our brains interpret the size of objects at different distances.
Adding to the visual appeal, the Flower Moon might display a beautiful yellow or orange tint as it first rises above the horizon.
