This Monday, June 1st, the Moon is in the Full phase. Earth’s natural satellite entered this stage last Sunday, May 31, at 5:46 am, according to data from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). At this moment, it appears with 100% of its illuminated face facing the Earth, although it is already beginning the natural process of gradual loss of visible illumination, slowly moving towards the Waning phase.

A Full moon It is one of the best known and easiest phases to observe with the naked eye. It happens when the Earth is positioned approximately between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the entire part illuminated by the Sun to face those observing from the planet. This alignment creates the impression of a fully illuminated disk in the sky. The star’s complete cycle lasts about 29.5 days and continually goes through the New, Crescent, Full and Waning phases.

Blue Moon

What makes this Full Moon especially interesting is the fact that it is the second recorded in May. The first took place on May 1st. When two Full Moons occur within the same calendar month, the second is popularly called “Blue Moon”. Despite the name, it does not turn blue: it is just a calendar classification for a relatively uncommon phenomenon, which usually occurs approximately every two or three years.

Another curious detail is that this second Full moon May also occurs close to the lunar apogee — the point in the orbit where the star is furthest from Earth. This means it may appear slightly smaller and dimmer than other Full Moons observed throughout the year.

For this reason, some astronomers also classify this event as a “micromoon”, the opposite of the phenomenon known as a supermoon. The visual difference is discreet, but it exists and can be seen in photographic comparisons.

Next phases of the Moon

Even officially entering the stage Cheia on Sunday, the Moon will continue to appear fully illuminated to many people during the following nights. This happens because transitions between phases do not occur abruptly to human eyes. In the coming days, however, the illuminated portion will begin to gradually decrease until reaching the Waning phase, scheduled for next week.

According to INMET, the next phases of the Moon in June are:

• Waning: June 8th;
• Nova: June 14
• Growing: June 21;
• Full: June 29th.

Full Moon influences natural phenomena

In addition to the visual spectacle, the Full moon it also directly influences several natural phenomena. Its position intensifies the gravitational effects on the oceans, contributing to more intense tides, known as spring tides. Scientifically, this phase is important because it allows studies related to lunar lighting, animal behavior, navigation and even specific astronomical observations.

For those who like to observe the sky, this remains one of the best phases to contemplate the Moon without the need for special equipment. Just look up at the sky after sunset to find one of the most familiar — and, at the same time, most fascinating — astronomical phenomena seen from Earth.