With a total lunar eclipse behind us and a nova explosion expected any day, there has been plenty to get excited about in the skies this year.
And coming up in just a few days is the May full moon, known as the flower moon. It will be the second consecutive micromoon and once again gets its name from plant life emerging and blooming. Its alternative names similarly reference plant life.
Here’s what to know about the May full moon in 2025 including the meaning of its various names and when to check out the skies above.
When is the May full moon in 2025?
May’s full Flower Moon reaches peak illumination at 10:55 a.m. MDT in Denver on Monday, May 12, according to Time and Date. It should appear bright and full from May 11 through 13.
How did the Flower Moon get its name?
As you might guess, it comes from the arrival of spring flowers.
Researchers and contemporary writing source the name to Indigenous people, either Algonquin or Dakota, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
What are other names for the May full moon?
Most other names for May’s full moon highlight the blooming plants or the time to plant for the farming season.
Budding Moon and Leaf Budding Moon (Cree)
Egg Laying Moon and Frog Moon (Cree)
Moon of the Shedding Ponies (Oglala)
Planting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
What is a micromoon?
May’s full moon will be a micromoon. This occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, known as its apogee. The distance makes it appear smaller and dimmer than usual; it is the opposite of a super moon.
When is the next full moon after the flower moon?
The June full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, arrives on Wednesday, June 11.
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: When is the next full moon? Here’s when, how to watch in Colorado