Skywatchers can expect to see the Flower Moon on the night of May 13. - ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY
SINGAPORE: On Tuesday (May 13), skywatchers in Singapore can catch a glimpse of the second and final micro full moon of 2025 – the Flower Moon – weather permitting.
According to astronomy website timeanddate.com, the full moon will rise at 7.34pm on May 13 and reach its highest point at 12.56am on May 14.
For those in Singapore, the moon will be visible across the island. Open spaces like Marina Barrage, East Coast Park or the scenic Southern Ridges are said to provide the best and unblocked views of such celestial events.
This year’s Flower Moon qualifies as a micromoon. A moon is seen as a micromoon when it is near the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the night sky.
The moon orbits Earth in an elliptical path, meaning its distance from Earth changes throughout the month. When a full moon occurs at the farthest part of this path, it’s called a micro full moon. Conversely, when it’s at the closest point, it’s known as a supermoon.
A micromoon is about 12.5 per cent to 14.1 per cent smaller than a supermoon, and 5.9 per cent to 6.9 per cent smaller than the average full moon, timeanddate.com notes.
The Flower Moon on May 13 marks the second and final micro full moon of 2025, following the first on April 13.
May’s full moon is traditionally called the Flower Moon, a name that reflects the season when flowers begin to bloom across North America, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The Cree, a North American indigenous group, have also referred to it as the Budding Moon or Leaf Budding Moon, in celebration of plant life returning after winter.
While this Flower Moon may not be as dramatic or visually striking as a supermoon, its subdued light reduces skyglow, creating ideal stargazing conditions and allowing stars to appear as though they are shining more brightly. - The Straits Times/ANN
