The flower moon will illuminate our skies this week.


What You Need To Know

  • May’s full moon is the Flower Moon

  • Full moon will peak early Thursday

  • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings

May’s full moon is often called the Flower Moon. Native American names also have a spring flavor, including Budding Moon and Planting Moon.

It is called the flower moon because of the abundance of flowers that emerge during the month across North America. 

Last October, Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” premiered. It was titled as such to attribute to the “Reign of Terror” in the Osage nation that began in May 1921.

The full moon will come to full peak early Thursday morning but still provide optimal viewings for both Wednesday night and Thursday night. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

Cicada moon?

Residents along the Midwest and South might refer to this year's May full moon as the cicada moon, due to the emergence of billions of cicadas from two separate broods.

A 13-year cicada peers over a ledge in Chapel Hill, N.C., Wednesday, May 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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