If you’re an astronomy enthusiast, then May is going to be super exciting for you. It’s packed with rare events that will keep you busy throughout the month. There’s a meteor shower scheduled around May 6 and 7 and a rare meeting of Jupiter and the moon on May 17. There’s also a chance to spot Mercury on May 29.
However, the most exciting and significant event will be the rise of the Flower Moon and the penumbral lunar eclipse that will occur at the same time, something that happens rarely and will not happen again for a long time.
What is a ‘Flower Moon’?
Every month has a full moon and each one is unique. May’s full moon is known as the ‘Flower Moon’. It gets its name from the Algonquin people, an indigenous community from Canada, who referred this moon as this because flowers bloom abundantly during this time and it also marks the official beginning of the new season. Some of its other names include ‘Budding Moon’, and ‘Planting Moon’.
Why is this Flower Moon important?
This is the fifth full moon of 2023 and this one is special because it coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse. During this kind of lunar eclipse, the earth comes partially in between the sun and the moon and only casts a faint shadow on the moon’s surface. This is a rare astronomical and astrological event as it combines both the enrgies of a Flower Moon and a penumbral lunar eclipse on many zodiac signs. Astrologically speaking, this period brings in an intense self-help energy and also hosts a period of vulnerability. It also marks a fresh star and new beginnings, so it makes this a good time to spread your wings and take yourself on a new adventure.
The Flower Moon will reach its peak illumination on May 5, 2023 at 11:04 PM IST.
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