Celebration of Space - May 1, 2026
The Full Flower Moon occurs at 1:25 pm ET on May 1, 2026 (May Day)
At 1:25 pm ET this afternoon (Friday, May 1, 2026) the Moon will arrive on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. In science we call this “opposition”, but most people call it the Full Moon. Tonight, the Moon will rise with the setting Sun and set with the rising Sun tomorrow morning, keeping the Moon above the horizon for the entire nighttime period. Additionally, the side of the Moon that we see will be in direct sunlight tonight, with the other side of the Moon being in complete darkness. Starting tomorrow the Moon will rise later with each passing day, eventually moving into the early morning sky.
Like all full lunar phases, the May Moon has a common name, and goes by the moniker – The Full Flower Moon. The name is a testament to all the flowers that we see blooming in May. Other names the May full Moon goes by, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, are the Budding Moon, Planting Moon, Frog Moon, and the Moon of Shedding Ponies. If looking to catch a view of the full Flower Moon, your best view will be during the Moon rise. Set out to a location with a good view of the ESE horizon, and be there for 8:00 pm ET. Around 8:15 pm, you will notice the Moon starting to become visible over the horizon.
Today, Friday, May 1, 2026, is also May Day, which has astronomical significance as a Cross-quarter Day. These days are the halfway points between the Equinoxes and the Solstices. After today we will be more than halfway to the summer season from the start of spring. Be sure to take a moment today to step outside and welcome the second half of spring. Other Cross-quarter Days are: Lamas in August, Halloween in October, and Groundhog Day in February.
This coming Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the annual Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower peak will occur. This meteor shower is a product of comet 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet) and will bring an increase in regular meteor activity by up-to 50 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, this year’s display will be invaded by the bright 79% waning gibbous Moon, which will outshine most meteors of this event. Even without the Moon, the Eta Aquariids are usually a rather slow going meteor display. The shower favors the Southern Hemisphere around the tropical regions, and the northern latitudes do not get the full display of the shower. Regardless, if you would like to try for a view, make plans to step outside around 1:00 am on May 6th, and find a spot where you can shield your view from the bright Moon, either with a building or other structure. Lay on your back with your feet orientated towards the SW and look to the zenith (top of the sky) to catch a few periodic meteors passing by. Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will not be hosting an event for the Eta Aquariids in 2026.
