May 26, 2026 | 07:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Australian skies are about to welcome another celestial event on May 31, 2026. A Blue Moon will be visible to skywatchers across the country, marking the second micromoon of the month after the Flower Moon observed on May 2.However, stargazers should not expect the Moon to actually appear blue. Even so, the phenomenon remains special because it only occurs once every two to three years.What Is a Blue Moon?A Blue Moon refers to a rare type of full moon that occurs under specific calendar conditions. Despite the colorful name, the Moon typically keeps its familiar silvery-white appearance.There are actually two recognized types of Blue Moons: a monthly and a seasonal blue moon.A monthly blue moon occurs when two full moons appear within the same calendar month. Meanwhile, a seasonal Blue Moon occurs when an astronomical season contains four full moons instead of the usual three. In this case, the third full moon earns the title of “Blue Moon.”When Will the Blue Moon Peak in Australia?According to Yahoo!, the upcoming Blue Moon will reach its peak on Sunday, May 31, 2026. In Australia, the best viewing times will vary slightly depending on location and time zone.Most major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra, are expected to have the best viewing opportunity around 6:30 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, Adelaide and Darwin residents should look skyward around 6:00 p.m. Perth viewers may have better luck earlier, around 4:30 p.m.For the best experience, experts recommend finding an open area away from bright city lights, such as beaches, parks, or hilltops.Will the Weather Affect Visibility?Weather conditions could play a major role in how clearly Australians can see the Blue Moon this year. Some cities are expected to enjoy mostly clear skies, while others may face cloud cover or light showers.Cities with Better Viewing ConditionsBrisbane is expected to have particularly clear skies with minimal cloud coverage.Darwin is forecast to experience favorable viewing conditions, with just 9% cloud coverage.Sydney will enjoy no rain.Canberra may enjoy mostly clear evenings, with 44% cloud coverage.Cities Facing More Cloud CoverMelbourne is expected to have a shower or two.Perth is forecast to experience a high cloud coverage at 73%.Adelaide will have brief showers, along with 50% cloud coverage.Hobart could see a few showers.Read: Look Up! Blue Moon to Illuminate This Week's Sky Across U.S.Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
