This content discusses the phenomenon of the full moon appearing slightly smaller, known as the “micromoon,” on May 12, 2025, in Central America. According to NASA, the full moon, or “flower moon,” typically aligns with the horizon at dusk around that date. However, the moon’s Mizzen whisper, the adjective used by astrologers to describe the alignment of the full moon with a month’s worth of the moon’s phases, transpires as a smaller, dimmer object in the sky, about 12–14% smaller and dimmer than a supermoon. This anomaly occurs when the full moon coincides with the farthest point of the moon’s orbit from Earth, or apogee, during cycle nineteen.
### How the Full Moon Works
The full moon is one of Earth’s closest accesses to the sun, appearing as a dark, round object in visibility elevations of 1/2° to 2/3°, depending on the observer’s location. The moon’s orbit around Earth is elliptical, meaning it moves at two points—the farthest (apogee) and closest (perigee). When the full moon aligns with perigee, it’s known as a “supermoon,” a bright and large object in the night sky. Conversely, when it aligns with apogee, it’s a “micromoon,” smaller and dimmer. According toalis, “a micromoon [is an orbital position where] the plane of the moon’s orbit intersects the orbital plane of Earth, moving farther away on one side and closer on the other axis.”
### Why These Anomalies Exist
The full moon’s apparent size varies depending on the distance from Earth. The moon’s average distance from Earth is about 239,000 miles (384,400 kilometers), which results in the full moon making the moon’s disk appear full. However, depending on the orbit of the moon, the full moon’s position relative to Earth’s orbit can vary, creating moments where the full moon is even smaller. These two extreme cases—the supermoon and the micromoon—are rare and are referred to by astrologers as their “minor concerns.”
### The Micromoon Rule
A micromoon occurs when the full moon aligns with apogee, a rare occurrence that occurs only seven times per lunar orbit. Research indicates that up to 90% of full moons occur as micromoons. Recent data shows that on May 12, 2025, in Central America, the full moon will coincide with apogee, making it a micromoon of considerable significance. According to Timeanddate and AstroPixels, the next occurrence of a full moon coinciding with apogee is expected to be in October 2026 inポートípolis,esis, with the full moon appearing even smaller. Meanwhile, a supermoon will occur after that on June 9, 2026.
### When to Spot a Micromoon
Observing a micromoon is moot on May 12, 2025, in most locations. To best take advantage of the phenomenon, use an elevated spot or align with a flagpole in an open field or east-facing coastline, particularly in early morning or late evening. According to NASA, visibility can sometimes be considerable during these times—jumping up to nearly two decks at sunset can highlight the full moon in the sky. However, shrouded in fog or mist can obscure the signal, so expect some variation in the appearance depending on the visibility.
### Conclusion
The full moon’s appearance is a fascinating display of astronomical competition, especially when it aligns with apogee. While this anomaly is rare, it becomes a persistent observer’s wonder. Whether orbital positions, the moon’s orbit, or astronomy’s layered complexity are at play, these instances remind us of the intricate dance of celestial bodies, one of which is indeed the best star in the world.
