May’s “Flower Moon” graced the skies on May 1, captivating many with its stunning glow. This moon is named for the colorful flowers blooming in the northern hemisphere during this time. It illuminated the night, rising alongside bright stars like Spica and Arcturus.
Photographer Lokman Vural captured an incredible shot of the moon rising over the bustling streets of New York. The full moon framed perfectly between skyscrapers made for a striking image. This phenomenon is likened to Manhattanhenge, which occurs when the sun sets directly between the buildings, and will happen on May 29 and July 11 in 2026.
Another stunning view came from Gary Hershorn, who captured the moon hovering above the Statue of Liberty, creating a breathtaking scene as Mare Crisium rose in the background.
In Istanbul, photographer Isa Terli showcased the moon behind the Beyazit Fire Tower, a historical lookout point. This location once served as a vital fire detection post for the city.
In Iraq, Ahsan Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed photographed the full moon rising with a crimson hue over distant mountains. This red tint occurs when the moon sits low on the horizon, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere scattering other colors.
On May 1, many across the globe marveled at the moon’s beauty. Interestingly, the occurrence coincided with Buddha Purnima in India—a day to honor the birth and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. Deepak Gupta captured this festive occasion with the moon illuminating a statue of Buddha.
Reflecting on the global appreciation of the moon, recent statistics show that interest in lunar photography has surged, with many turning to social media to share their captures. Platforms like Instagram abound with hashtags like #FullMoon and #MoonPhotography, showing how unifying this celestial event can be.
With another full moon on the horizon—a rare “Blue Moon”—on May 31, it’s an exciting time for both casual viewers and photographers. So grab your camera, head outside, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky!
