In Quebec, it will be the full moon of Venus

WeatherMediaeditorial team

Posted in May 2, 2023 at 6:48 pm

to update May 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m

Full Moon and Rain of Shooting Stars: The evening of May 5th will be especially crowded in the Quebec sky.

moon flower

The next full moon, the full moon of Venus, will light up the Quebec sky during the night of May 5-6. You’ll wake up at 7:06 p.m. on the evening of May 5, before waking up around 6:43 a.m. the next morning.

It is so named because of the flowering period that marks the month of May. Between tulips, at the beginning of the month, and lilacs, in the middle, the flowers are already beautifying the landscape of many regions. Among many First Nations, it is also associated with initiation into the fields.

Red Moon

However, freezing is still possible. It is also for this reason that another name was given to the full moon for the month of May: the red moon. According to the old saying, the cold “burns” the young buds that lasted between the end of April and the end of May. On nights when the star is most visible (and therefore when the sky is clear), heat can radiate and escape from the ground. This opens the door to frost, which can damage particularly fragile buds.

The last frost on the ground is generally observed at the end of April in Montreal, but it is necessary to wait until mid-May towards the center of the province, or even at the beginning of June in eastern Quebec. So the game is not won for these sectors, as setbacks remain possible.

shower of stars

Another amazing event that will light up the sky on the same date: Eta Aquarids, remnants of the famous comet Halley.

However, the moon will outshine the shyer shooting stars. If supply is severely limited, the most patient amateur astronomers will still be able to see some of them. Up to 30 meteors per hour can be seen in the best conditions, especially away from the light pollution of large urban centers.

See also: Opening your pool too late can be dangerous