'Blooming Beauty: How to Spot the 'Flower Moon' in UK Skies This Month'

In May, skywatchers have the opportunity to witness an enchanting display with the 'Flower Moon' reaching its zenith in the night sky.

Perhaps you caught a view of the Aurora Borealis earlier this month; now, as spring arrives, you can enjoy the beauty of May's special full moon upon waking.

It is also referred to as the 'Budding Moon' and the ' Seed Moon'.

When can we see the Flower Moon?

The upcoming full moon, also known as the 'Flower Moon,' will reach its peak on Monday, May 12, at 5:56 pm in the UK.

However, don’t be concerned that it remains illuminated even as it reaches its highest point – it will still look completely full throughout the entire night.

What is the reason behind naming it the Flower Moon?

The Flower Moon received its name from Native Americans because May marked the period when flowers began blossoming with the onset of milder temperatures.

The RMG website similarly provides guidance on observing the complete lunar phase and describes what constitutes a Flower Moon.

The RMG website states: "Throughout history, various cultures have assigned names to each full moon within the lunar year."

numerous names attributed to the Moon originate from Native American cultures since these communities considered the lunar phase cycles equally crucial for tracking time as they did with the annual solar cycle, which forms the basis of our current Gregorian calendar.

Astrologists believe that the full moon can lead to significant transformations in relationships and individual development.

How to photograph the Flower Moon

The Royal Mail Guidelines indicate that the fundamentals of photographing the moon stay consistent regardless of whether you opt for using a phone, a compact camera, or an SLR.

Recommended reading:

• Should you leave your windows open or closed when there’s a heatwave?

• What actions should be taken if you spot a dog inside a vehicle when the temperature is expected to rise sharply?

• What is SPF, and what does the numerical value represent? Here’s when you ought to reapply.

You'll have to head somewhere with an uninterrupted view of the moon for at least a few hours.

The website states: "Should you wish to concentrate solely on the moon, a telephoto lens or telescope will be necessary."

These might not be essential if your aim is a broader landscapes photo, but keep in mind that if you wish to capture particular landmarks or elements, you should prepare accordingly for the perfect image.