Skywatchers can enjoy two full moons and a dazzling meteor display this month
Category: Arts & Culture
As the sun sets on April 30, 2026, stargazers across the U.S. will be treated to a spectacular celestial show. The first full moon of May, known as the Flower Moon, is set to rise, promising a brilliant display in the night sky. This full moon, which peaks at 1:23 p.m. EDT on May 1, will be visible in its full glory for several nights, offering a stunning view for those willing to look up.
But the Flower Moon is just the beginning of a month filled with astronomical events. In addition to the Flower Moon, skywatchers can expect the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, which will light up the night sky for weeks. This combination of events makes May 2026 a particularly exciting time for astronomy enthusiasts.
The Flower Moon, named for the abundance of blooming flowers in May, is part of a long tradition of naming full moons. This practice dates back to Native American tribes and other cultures that observed the lunar cycles and associated them with seasonal changes. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the names often relate to the natural world, with May’s full moon symbolizing the blooming of flowers across North America.
May 2026 is especially notable because it will feature not one, but two full moons. The second full moon, known as a Blue Moon, will occur on May 31, 2026. This phenomenon, which happens every two to three years, is defined as the second full moon within a single calendar month. The last Blue Moon occurred on August 19, 2024, when it was also a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
The Flower Moon's peak on May 1 occurs at 1:23 p.m. EDT, which might make it challenging to see at that exact moment since it falls in the afternoon. Nevertheless, the moon will appear nearly full for several nights around this date. According to the U.S. Navy Astronomical Applications Department, "the moon's disk may appear full for several nights in a row if it is clear," with illumination levels dropping only slightly from 97-99% on the nights before and after the peak.
This year, the Flower Moon will be visible in its most illuminated state from April 30 through May 2, depending on local weather conditions. In Mississippi, for example, the moon will rise at 7:03 p.m. on April 30, reaching 98-99% illumination, and will be fully visible for the next couple of nights as well.
As the month progresses, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak during the early hours of May 5-6, providing another highlight for skywatchers. This meteor shower, which runs from April 19 to May 28, is caused by Earth passing through the debris trail left by Halley’s Comet. The meteors are known for their speed, traveling at about 40.7 miles per second, and can leave long glowing trails in the night sky.
NASA notes that the Eta Aquarids often produce “Earthgrazers” in the Northern Hemisphere, which appear to skim along the horizon. Observers can expect to see around 10-30 meteors per hour just before dawn during the peak. The moon will be about 84% full at this time, which may impact visibility; hence, the best viewing conditions might occur in the days leading up to the peak.
Looking beyond May, there are more celestial events to anticipate. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 27-28, 2026, visible across North America, including Florida. This eclipse will begin at 9:23 p.m. EDT and end at 3:01 a.m. EDT, with about 93% of the moon in Earth's shadow during its peak. Later in the year, a total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, though visibility in the U.S. will be limited primarily to the Northeast and Alaska.
As May rolls around, the excitement surrounding these celestial events is sure to capture the attention of amateur astronomers and casual observers alike. The combination of the Flower Moon, the Blue Moon, and the Eta Aquarids meteor shower offers a rare opportunity to engage with the wonders of the universe.
In Mississippi, the Flower Moon will peak at 12:23 p.m. local time on May 1, with the Blue Moon following on May 31 at 3:45 a.m. This month a memorable one for anyone who looks up at the night sky.
The takeaway: May 2026 is a month of celestial wonders, featuring the Flower Moon, a Blue Moon, and the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. Make sure to mark your calendar and enjoy the beauty of the night sky during these events!