The full moon is asfascinating as ever .On Monday May 12, 2025, the famous Full Flower Moon will shine in our springsky . This celestial rendezvous , well known to astronomy enthusias ts , also attracts the curious , seduced by its evocative nicknames and the myths it conjures up , both literally and figuratively. Why does it bear this name? What's the best time to see it, and what's the best way to see it? We tell you all about it...
At 6.55pmParistime , the Full Flower Moon will begin to reveal itself. Even if it is technically at its peak in the late afternoon, we'll still have to wait until nightfall to see it properly and enjoy the show, so that the sun doesn't prevent us from admiring it.
Each full moon of the year has a name, mostly inherited from Native American traditions and featured in the famous Maine Farmers' Almanac. In May, it ' s traditionally referred to as the FlowerMoon , in reference to the floral explosion of that period. But that's not the only name it goes by: depending on the culture, it ' s also known as the Full Corn Moon, the Full Planting Moon, the Full Milk Moon, the Full HareMoon , or the Full VesakMoon , celebrated in Buddhist communities to mark the birth of Buddha. A multitude of names that testify to the symbolic importance of this lunarphase .
The astronomical phenomenon of the full Moon occurs approximately every 29 days. The simple explanation is that the Moon is perfectly aligned with the Earth and the Sun, allowing it to be fully illuminated. This May 12, it will rise accompanied by two bright stars , a detail you can appreciate by moving away from the light pollution of Paris. Why not enjoy the moment from a high spot like BellevillePark , or head to the heights of Montmartre for a clearview ?
Even if the full moon is sometimes accused of disturbing our sleep - some studies suggest a drop in melatonin or a more difficult fall asleep - nothing is scientifically clear-cut. What is certain, however, is that the lunar star continues to be the subject of many tales, both scientific and legendary. Its effects on gardening, hair growth and even moods and nocturnal behavior are just some of the stories that fuel our imaginations.
For optimum observation , theInstitut de mécanique céleste et de calcul des éphémérides recommends waiting until nightfall. A clear sky , an application like SkyView orStellarium, a blanket and you're all set. If you' re feeling inspired by this moment, this could be the opportunity to discover or rediscover the Moon in a different way, through a Parisiannocturnal stroll , a lunarphotography session , or simply a few moments of contemplation alone or with friends.
Of course, this beautiful Full Moon will only be visible if the weather cooperates. Météo France forecasts cloudy weather with no rain.
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