Flower Micromoon: May's Full Moon 14% Smaller, 30% Dimmer

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The May 12 Full Flower Moon hits peak brightness at 12:56 PM EDT – but there's a catch you can't see during daylight.

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This isn't your average full moon – it's a micromoon, appearing 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than usual.

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The moon reaches apogee (its farthest Earth distance) on May 12, creating this rare smaller appearance.

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Best viewing window starts May 11 evening through May 13 – the moon looks "full" for three straight nights.

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Catch the moon's orange glow during moonrise – Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light, leaving dramatic warm hues.

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Mars and Jupiter shine in the western sky after sunset, while Saturn, Venus, and Neptune rise pre-dawn.

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The "Flower Moon" name comes from North American traditions tracking May's abundant blooms by lunar phases.

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Look for dark basaltic regions called "maria" and bright streaks from ancient impact sites on the lunar surface.

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Unlike viral supermoons that appear larger, this micromoon shows the moon's elliptical orbit's fascinating extremes.

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Find clear horizon views for maximum effect – the size difference might be subtle, but the celestial show remains spectacular.

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