5 celestial events you must know about the full moon may 2026
- The full moon may 2026, known as the Flower Moon, will peak on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:51 PM EDT, offering a stunning springtime spectacle for skywatchers worldwide.
- This full moon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse, turning the moon a deep, dramatic red for approximately 85 minutes—visible across the Americas, western Europe, and parts of Africa.
- The eclipse phase begins at 9:21 PM EDT, with the total red-hued phase occurring from 10:29 PM to 11:54 PM, making it a prime window for photography and naked-eye viewing.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, this event aligns with the end of autumn, so viewers will see it higher in the sky, enhancing visibility for those in Australia, South America, and southern Africa.
- Watch for a rare conjunction with the star Antares, which will appear just 2 degrees from the eclipsed moon, creating a striking celestial pairing that will be unmistakable even without binoculars.