Super Flower Moon

 The full moon of May is known as the Flower Moon.  

The whole "April showers bring May flowers" saying applies perfectly.  Expect that this year our very warm temperatures in March brought the flowers early!

Most years, though, the flowers are not abundant until this time in the year, and that is why this moon has its nickname.  

It is also known as the Full Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, Hare Moon, Dragon Moon, Panther Moon, Moon when leaves are green, Moon to Plant, Bright Moon, and the Grass Moon.

But, BONUS, this month is also a SUPER MOON!

That is just a fancy name for the moon each year that is the brightest and appears largest!  

The moon will be closest to Earth tonight at 11:35 PM Eastern time.  This is why it will look 14% bigger and 30% brighter.  

But, the best time for moon gazing might be when it is rising!  This evening, it will appear pumpkin colored and HUGE!  It is actually smaller in the evening than it will be overnight, but our eyes can play tricks on us.  As the moon rises, most of us will observe it with other objects in our line of sight, and our eyes will adjust accordingly, making the moon look much bigger.

In any case, partly cloudy skies tonight in South Bend, mostly cloudy in Jersey, so everyone should at least get a glimpse!

So, get out there and enjoy the moon tonight!  

Please share your photos if you have any!

(Kudos to The Farmers Almanac and ABC News for reference information on this story)