Flower Moon to Light Up the Night Sky on May 12, 2024
ISLAMABAD – Skywatchers in Pakistan and across the globe are eagerly anticipating the appearance of the Flower Moon, the first full moon of May, set to grace the night sky on Sunday, May 12. This year’s full moon will be slightly dimmer and smaller than usual due to its position in the moon’s orbit, making it a micromoon.
Read more: Shawwal Moon Sighted Across Various Regions of Pakistan
When and Where to Watch the Flower Moon
The Flower Moon will rise in the eastern sky at dusk and remain visible throughout the night, setting in the west at dawn. In Pakistan, it will be visible after sunset on May 12, with near-full visibility also possible on the evenings of May 11 and May 13.
What Makes It a Micromoon?
Unlike a supermoon, when the moon is closest to Earth and appears larger and brighter, a micromoon occurs when the moon is at apogee—its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. As a result, the moon will appear slightly smaller and less bright to the naked eye.
Viewing Tips
The Flower Moon will reach its full phase at 9:56 PM PKT in Pakistan. For the best viewing experience, skywatchers should seek out locations with an unobstructed eastern horizon. Local moonrise times may vary by region.
As the moon rises or sets, it may take on a warm orange hue, a result of Rayleigh scattering. This atmospheric phenomenon, also responsible for red sunsets, scatters shorter wavelengths of light, allowing longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate the moon’s appearance when it’s near the horizon.
Next Full Moon: Strawberry Moon
The next full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, will rise on June 11, marking the final full moon before the June 21 summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
