Skywatchers are set to see a Blue Moon during the weekend ending Sunday, May 31, 2026, along with a “micromoon,” according to multiple reports. The event is described as the second full moon in May, after another full moon occurs earlier in the month. Coverage notes that a Blue Moon does not refer to the moon’s color; instead, it is defined by either a second full moon in a calendar month or an extra full moon within an astronomical season. In this case, the May 2026 timing matches the second-full-moon-in-the-month definition, with full moon illumination reaching its peak around 4:45 a.m. ET on Sunday. The same full moon is also characterized as a micromoon because the moon appears smaller and dimmer when it is near apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. Sources say the apparent size difference is subtle to the naked eye—roughly 10% to 15% smaller in diameter—with a slight dimming. Reports also look ahead to future Blue Moon dates, including May 2027 for a seasonal Blue Moon and December 2028 for the next calendar Blue Moon.
Blue Moon and micromoon set to appear late May 2026
Skywatchers are set to see a Blue Moon during the weekend ending Sunday, May 31, 2026, along with a “micromoon,” according to multiple reports. The event is described as the second full moon in May, a...
- A Blue Moon occurs in late May 2026, described as the second full moon in May.
- Illumination peaks around 4:45 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
- The same full moon is also described as a micromoon because it is near apogee (farthest from Earth).
- The apparent difference is modest to the naked eye: the moon looks about 10%–15% smaller and slightly dimmer.
- Future Blue Moon dates mentioned include May 20, 2027 (seasonal) and December 2028 (calendar).
The night sky this weekend is set aglow with this year's only Blue Full Moon.
2 months agoThe rarity of events and celebrations such as milestone birthdays and cosmic happenings makes them special. The phrase “once in a blue moon” exists because it is not an everyday occurrence. This year, May has not one but two full moons lighting up the night sky, the second of which is going down tonight, in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 31. Illumination reaches its peak at 4:45 a.m. ET. But this is also considered a micromoon. Here’s everything you need to know before you stargaze. What is a blue moon? This has nothing to do with color. There are two ways to define a blue moon. The first is when a second full moon occurs in the same calendar month. This happens about once every 30 months. Tonight is the night for May 2026, as the first full moon took place on May 1. The second definition deals in quarters. A typical astronomical season contains three full moons. Every two to three years, a fourth sneaks in, causing the third full moon to be considered a blue moon. When will the next blue moon occur? If you miss this one, you will have to wait until May 20, 2027, for a seasonal blue moon, according to Royal Museums Greenwich. The next calendar blue moon won’t happen again until December 2028. Can 2 blue moons happen in the same year? Metaphorical lightning—or in this case, two blue moons—can strike twice in the same year, but it is rare. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, in 2018, both January and March had a blue moon. February had no full moons. This won’t happen again until 2037. What is a micromoon? Although this blue moon is considered “micro,” the naked eye won’t be able to tell much difference in size. According to National Geographic, it will only look about 10% to 15% smaller in diameter and a bit dimmer. The natural satellite orbits the Earth in an elliptical pattern, making it appear bigger and brighter or smaller and dimmer, depending on where it is on that journey. A micromoon occurs around apogee, a fancy term for when the moon is at the farthest point away from Earth.
2 months agoA rare Blue Moon, the second full moon in May, will also be a "micromoon" near its farthest point from Earth.
2 months agoA Rare blue moon and micromoon rises this weekend, giving skywatchers worldwide a chance to catch the year’s second full moon.
2 months ago
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