Today, the UAE skies will be illuminated by the full Flower Moon of May

Stargazers in the UAE are in for a celestial treat this evening as May’s full moon, known as the Flower Moon, is expected to shine brighter than usual. The moon is set to light up the sky from 5:53 pm on Thursday, with experts predicting it will be in the constellation of Leo, rising prominently after sunset and remaining at a high altitude until 2 am.

The Flower Moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Thursday night through to early Sunday evening. To catch the best view of the moon, enthusiasts are advised to find high vantage points when it is rising.

The phenomenon of a full moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are aligned on opposite sides of the Earth, with the lunar surface illuminated by the Sun. This is in contrast to a new moon, which occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making its unlit side face the planet and rendering it invisible in the night sky.

In April, people in the UAE witnessed the Pink Moon, named after a plant called “herb moss pink.” The next full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, is set to rise on June 21.

The Flower Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, signifying the start of the spring season when flowers are in full bloom. It is also known as the Planting Moon or Green Leaves Moon in some cultures, indicating the best time to plant crops. Other names for this full moon include Frog Moon, Hare Moon, and Milk Moon, each with its own cultural significance.

The Flower Moon follows the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, which peaked around May 5 and 6. Experts say that UAE residents can still catch glimpses of the meteors until May 27. Originating from Halley’s Comet, the meteor shower featured about 100 meteors an hour at its peak during the predawn hours.

To add to the excitement, a stunning image of the Strawberry Moon between the Etihad towers, Grand Hyatt Hotel, and Bab Al Qasr structures in Abu Dhabi has been captured, showcasing the beauty of this celestial event.

So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the Flower Moon in all its glory this evening and enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Stay tuned for more updates on this mesmerizing astronomical event.