TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A rare lunar spectacle is expected to light up the night sky at the end of May, with the month’s second full moon appearing as both a blue moon and a micromoon. While full moons typically appear only once each month, May already welcomed the Flower Moon earlier in the month, making the upcoming May 30 lunar display an unusual second appearance.Stargazers hoping to witness the striking celestial event may have to stay awake late into the night or rise before sunrise for the clearest glimpse. To better prepare for the occasion, here is everything you need to know about the blue moon according to various sources. What Is the Best Time to See the Blue Moon?According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the blue moon is expected to reach peak illumination early Sunday, May 31, at around 4:45 a.m. ET. Even so, the moon will still appear nearly full in the nights surrounding its peak, offering skywatchers several chances to enjoy the spectacle. The lunar display will be visible worldwide, though cloud cover in some areas could affect visibility, making local weather conditions an important factor before heading outside to view the night sky.Is the Moon Going to Be Blue?Despite its name, a Blue Moon does not actually appear blue. The term refers to the rare occurrence of a second full moon appearing within a single calendar month, a phenomenon that only takes place roughly once every two and a half years, according to NASA. The expression “once in a blue moon” dates back to the 16th century, when it was commonly used to describe something considered highly unlikely or nearly impossible.According to USA Today, the next time two full moons will occur within the same calendar month will not happen again until December 2028.What Is a Micromoon?As per NASA, a micromoon occurs when the moon reaches its farthest distance from Earth during its orbit, placing it roughly 251,000 miles away from the planet. Due to the increased distance, the moon can appear slightly smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon.2026’s Full Moon CalendarThe Farmer’s Almanac shared the following schedule for upcoming full moons as follows:Blue Moon: Peaks May 31, at 4:45 a.m. ETStrawberry Moon: Peaks June 29, at 7:57 p.m. ETBuck Moon: Peaks July 29, at 10:36 a.m. ETSturgeon Moon (partial lunar eclipse): Peaks Aug. 28, at 12:18 a.m. ETHarvest Moon: Peaks Sept. 26, at 12:49 p.m. ETHunter's Moon: Peaks Oct. 26, at 12:12 a.m. ETBeaver Moon (super moon): Peaks Nov. 24, at 9:53 a.m. ETCold Moon (super moon): Peaks Dec. 23, at 8:28 p.m. ETRead: Stargazers' Guide to Dazzling Night Sky Events in MayClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News