The biggest Super Moon of the year will be visible this week
May's Flower Moon will peak on Wednesday
Last updated 25th May 2021
With May coming to an end next week, astronomy lovers are in for a massive treat this week (if the weather allows), as the Flower Super Moon is due to light up the skies, with the fifth Super Moon of 2021.
May's Super Moon will be even more visible than usual as for the first time in two years it will coincide with a total lunar eclipse. Despite the total lunar eclipse not being visible in the UK, you'll certainly be able to see the Flower Super Moon at its peak.
What is the Super Flower Moon?
Firstly, the name Flower Moon is given to the first full moon in the month of May, as it appears in Spring time when flowers begin to bloom.
On this occasion, the Flower Moon is also a Super Moon, which happens when the Full Moon is closest to the Earth. Although this is the second Super Moon of the year, this will be the brightest.
When can I see the Super Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon, which is also the second Super Moon of 2021, will peak on Wednesday 26th May, with experts predicting the 'early hours' or 'later in the evening' after sunset will be the best time to see the Moon.
Patricia Skelton, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory said: “A supermoon happens when a full moon occurs at the same time, or close to the time, that the moon reaches its closest point to the Earth – a point called perigee.
“Perigee occurs at 2.51am on May 26, with full moon occurring at 12.14pm on the same day.
“The supermoon will rise in the east around half an hour after sunset and will be visible throughout the night.”
When is the next full moon?
There's a Full Moon every month of the year. Check out all of the dates and names of the 2021 Full Moons below:
28th January: Wolf Moon
27th February: Snow Moon
28th March: Worm Moon
27th April: Pink Moon
26th May: Flower Moon
24th June: Strawberry Moon
24th July: Buck Moon
22nd August: Sturgeon Moon
21st September: Corn/Harvest Moon
20th October: Hunter's Moon
19th November: Beaver Moon
19th December: Cold Moon
Check out these top tips for stargazers:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.