Super Bloody Flower Moon

According to the Old Farmers Almanac - we adopt full moon names that were used during Native American and Colonial times to help track the seasons.  This practice is traced to the Algonquin tribes who lived in the same areas as the Colonists.    

May’s full Moon is known as the Flower Moon.  It signifies the wildflowers that bloom in May.  This includes wild iris, sundrops, marsh marigold, violets and more that are found around here.   The month of May marks a period of increased fertility and the warming days that made it safer to bear young.   For that reason it is sometimes called the Mother’s Moon.  Other names include the Corn Planting Moon and Milk Moon.  

The moon will appear full tonight but will reach its peak of fullness at 11:14 PM on Sunday.   

May's full moon also includes a couple of bonus features - namely it is a Supermoon and is witness to a Lunar Eclipse.

The moon's transit around the earth is not a perfect circle.  It is elliptical.  When a orbit of a full moon coincides with a closer pass near earth the moon will appear larger than it ordinarily would.  Hence it is referred-to as a Supermoon.

photo - NASA

Tomorrow, beginning around 8:32 CST, the moon will be entering earth's shadow or penumbra.  In short order the surface of the moon will begin to darken as it enters earth's full shadow or umbra.  

The full eclipse will begin around 10:30 PM and peak at 11:11 PM.  It will conclude around midnight.   

During the period of totality the moon will assume a ruddy, rusty color as a consequence of the earth blocking direct sunlight from reaching the moon's surface.  This phenomenon is called a Blood Moon.

Fingers-crossed for clear night skies to witness a special full moon experience this month.