On May 12, 2025, a full Flower Moon will be visible from San Diego, offering whimsical views and lighting up the skies. As the name suggests, it’s also a quick reminder to observe nature blooming all around us and catch that last magic of spring before summer arrives. Maybe the Flower Moon is telling us to stop and smell the flowers from time to time.
What’s a Flower Moon?
We call a Flower Moon any full moon that appears during the month of May. As suggested, it takes its name from the beautiful flowers that surround us during this month. But it’s not the only names it carries, just the most common one. A Flower Moon was also called the Egg Laying Moon, or the Sucker Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it the Milk Moon, as they used to milk cows many times a day in May. It’s also known as Mother’s Moon, or Grass Moon.
Supermoon vs. Micromoon
Just like the previous Pink Moon, this one is a micromoon , which means it will appear a little bit smaller than average. This happens when the moon is at the farthest point in its orbit around Earth – the technical term for this is apogee. The full moon on May 12 will appear in the East during dusk, shine all night, and set in the West at dawn. However, the micromoon will appear large on the horizon, thanks to an optical illusion.
When to see the Flower Moon from San Diego
The full moon actually reaches its peak at 10 AM on May 12, but observers will see it best later that evening. It will rise around 8 PM, and set at 5:30 AM. It will also be visible the night before and after – but on the 12th, you get the best views. No need for a telescope – simply gaze at the skies! As usual, for the best view of celestial events, it helps to get out of the city. Minimal light pollution is essential for those perfect views – and pictures!