When the full Moon rises tonight, it marks the appearance of the 2026 Flower Moon, and looks ahead to the Blue Moon we'll get at the end of May.

'Flower Moon' is the name given to the May full Moon because it's visible at the height of spring, when nature is abloom.

Each of the monthly full Moons has acquired multiple informal nicknames throughout history, each of which references key events occurring in nature during the month in question.

April's full Moon is known as the Pink Moon, for example, as a reference to the pink flowers that begin to appear as we enter springtime.

June's full Moon is the Strawberry Moon because June is the month when strawberries are typically abundant.

And May's full Moon is known as the Flower Moon because it appears during peak springtime, when flowers are blooming all around us.

Other nicknames commonly given to the May full Moon also reflect how it's visible during the height of spring, such as:

Planting Moon: a reference to the sowing of seeds at this time of year
Milk Moon: reflecting the heightened activity in farming and livestock
Hare Moon: because hares are active during springtime
Budding Moon: a nod to new growth appearing on plants and trees

It's worth pointing out, however, that these informal nicknames really are just nicknames and don't indicate that the full Moon will look any different.

- BBC Sky at Night Magazine