May’s full moon – known as the ‘Flower Moon’ – dazzled people across the UK last night.
Also referred to as ‘Planting Moon’ or ‘Milky Moon’, it was at its most visible at 5.56pm.
Amazed by the phenomenon, starwatchers took to social media to share pictures of the luminous orb rising above rooftops and trees – and they did not disappoint.
From London’s skyline to Cambridgeshire’s Ely Cathedral, the display drew people to their windows for hours.
The moon looked much brighter than usual due to the clear skies offering excellent weather conditions.
It was visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere and Nasa alerted people to the cosmic wonder: ‘Look up tonight for the Full Flower Moon named after the abundance of blossoms that fill the Northern Hemisphere at this time of year.’
What is a full ‘Flower Moon’?
The ‘Flower Moon’ is the name given to May’s full moon, a term rooted in Native American and Old English traditions.
It reflects the time of year when wildflowers are in full bloom across the Northern Hemisphere.
Every full moon in May carries this name, while full moons in other times of the year have different ones.
When was it visible?
The ‘Flower Moon’ became forming in the early afternoon until reached its peak just before 6pm.
Nasa said the satellite planet will appear full for a couple of days before it moves into its next phase.
As it begins its journey back toward the sun, the opposite side of the moon now reflects its light.
The lighted side appears to shrink, but the moon’s orbit is simply carrying it out of view from our perspective.
When is the next one in the UK?
Unfortunately, there will not be another full moon in May, which means that people will have to wait another whole year to witness a ‘Flower Moon’.
The next full moon – referred to as known as ‘Strawberry Moon’ – falls on June 11, according to the Royal Observatory.
In North America, the harvesting of strawberries in June gives that month’s full moon its name.
Europeans have dubbed it the rose moon, while other cultures named it the hot moon for the beginning of the summer heat.
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