The first full moon of May is nearly ready to be viewed by people across Hampshire, and indeed around the world as the special 'Flower Moon' reaches its maximum splendour. 

The Flower Moon is a rare astronomical event and is the largest and brightest full moon of the year so far, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

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The moon will rise in the UK on May 26, reaching its fullest at around 12.13pm BST (Image: Canva)

In the UK, the moon, also known as the Flower Moon and the Planting Moon, will be at its fullest on Thursday, May 23. Reaching its fullest at around 12.13pm British Standard Time (BST).

It will also appear bright and full on Wednesday and Friday. 

The last such event was the Pink Moon in April.

The astronomical event is set to take place later this month and will leave many looking for the ideal spot nearby to see it.

The red marks on the map represent areas with high light pollution (Image: Millets)

Here, we will take a look at some of the best spots in Hampshire to take a seat and take in the view:

1. South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

South Downs National Park, despite being just 90 minutes from the brightly lit city of London, is renowned for its clear, dark skies.

It was designated as a Dark Sky Reserve in 2016 and has since become a magnet for astronomers from all over the country. 

The park hosts 30 annual stargazing events and boasts 15 prime viewing locations across the region. One of the standout spots is Bignor Hill, known for being one of the darkest and highest points in the area, offering breathtaking views of the night sky.

2. Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping.

3. White Hill Car Park, Kingsclere

White Hill Car Park has been recommended as a great place to stargaze by the local authority, national park, community organisation or property owner. May require payment for access or parking.

4. Cliddesden Primary School

Basingstoke Astronomical Society organises events at this location. Located just outside of Basingstoke, the viewpoint is away from the towns light pollution and offers the opportunity to look up into the sky and enjoy the flower moon or constellations. There are no facilities, including toilets, at the location. Parking is free.

5. Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve

Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping. There may or may not be toilet facilities.

6. Kingsclere Downs

Kingsclere Downs, based nearby to Kingsclere, is a great spot to take a camping chair and enjoy the stars. The area is quiet and parking free, although you may experience light pollution from Basingstoke in the distance and Kingsclere nearby.

7. St. Catherine's Hill, Bull Drove, Winchester

St. Catherine's Hill is nearby to Winchester and therefore most susceptible to light pollution, but the hill is located high up and offers plenty of space and a surrounding view to make the most of the event.

8. Danebury Iron Age Hillfort 

Located near to Andover, the hillfort is a considerable distance from any towns or cities and offers plenty of space and views similar to that of St. Catherine's Hill. Parking is free, although no facilities are located near the hillfort.

There are plenty of other locations in and around Hampshire to go and make the most of the clear skies, although more light pollution can be expected, and parking charges and facilities on offer change from location to location.

Rural areas will be your best bet to make the most of the experience, such as Overton, Whitchurch, Alresford, Stockbridge and more.

We would love to see your pictures, email them to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or share them on Facebook at Hampshire Chronicle Camera Club.