After the waning quarter that took place last Wednesday, May 1st, and with the full moon approaching, May is shaping up to be an exceptional month to observe and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
Moon today: waning phase
Today, Tuesday, May 7, we will be able to see only 2% of the moon’s illuminated surface. In this phase of the lunar cycle, the illuminated part of the Moon decreases, which occurs after the full moon and before the new moon. This period is characterized by the visibility of the illuminated left edge from the perspective of the Northern Hemisphere, when sunlight begins to gradually recede from the visible lunar surface and the rest of the lunar disk remains in shadow.
Today, Tuesday, May 7, we will be able to see only 2% of the moon’s illuminated surface
Moon phase
New month. This period marks the gradual decline of lunar illumination, setting the stage for the new moon, which will go completely dark tomorrow, May 8. After this phase of darkness, the night sky begins to light up again.
A quarter month. On May 15, the moon enters its crescent phase and then culminates in a “flower moon,” so called because it coincides with when most flowers bloom in the Northern Hemisphere.
full moon. Arriving on May 23 at 3:53 p.m., this full moon will offer a spectacle that, while less dramatic than April’s supermoon, promises to capture the attention of onlookers without the need for specialized equipment.
the last quarter. This phase occurs after the full moon, specifically on May 30. During the last quarter, the Moon appears as a partially illuminated disk, its light diminishing on the left side. This table is ideal for observing the details of the lunar surface through binoculars thanks to the interplay of light and shadow that highlights craters and other topographical features.
The Flores full moon will arrive in Spain on May 23 at 3:53 p.m.
How to see the full moon. For an optimal experience, it is advisable to find a place far from the light pollution of cities, preferably an elevated point. Although it is too early to confirm weather conditions, it is usually clear for the date.
Read also
