A blue micromoon is a rare spectacle, though it’s not as blue or as micro as you might imagine
But don’t be disappointed if it’s not bright turquoise
It's called a blue moon — but this month's full moon comes with a rare twist.
A rare blue micromoon — May's second full moon coinciding with lunar apogee — peaks at 4:45 a.m. EDT on May 31, appearing 6% smaller and 10% dimmer than average; the next occurrence is not expected for over 25 years. Best observed with clear, unobstructed skies away from light pollution: Northern Hemisphere viewers will find it near Antares in Scorpius, while observers south of the equator may witness a brief lunar occultation of the star.
A Blue Micromoon reaches peak illumination at 8:45 UTC on May 31, 2026, positioned 252,360 miles from Earth — appearing roughly 6% smaller and 10% dimmer than an average full moon as it combines a calendar Blue Moon with an apogee-phase lunar cycle. The event is part of a rare back-to-back sequence: the June 2026 Strawberry Moon may also qualify as a Micromoon, while best viewing requires an unobstructed eastern horizon with minimal light pollution shortly after moonrise.
On May 31, skywatchers will witness a rare blue micromoon as both a blue moon and micromoon arrive together in one unusual celestial spectacle.
A blue micromoon will reach peak illumination on May 31, 2026 — the second full moon of the month coinciding with the Moon at apogee (furthest point from Earth) — a combination that won't recur until 2053. Visible to the naked eye from the UK on Saturday evening with optimal southern horizon sightlines, the event is also photographable via smartphone on tripod or smart telescopes (Seestar S30/S50, Dwarf 3) with minimal setup.
The first Blue Moon since August 2023 occurs on 31 May, coinciding with a micromoon — the Moon at apogee 406,366 km away, appearing up to 14% smaller than a supermoon. This Blue-micromoon alignment won't repeat until 2053, making this weekend a 27-year-unique observation window.
Get set for a rare blue micromoon this weekend. It's when a blue moon that's also the most distant and smallest-looking full moon of the year rises.
Who needs trainspotting when there are so many different moods of the full Moon to see? And the full Moon that will grace Earth's skies on May 30 and 31 is one you will not want…
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
Get set for a rare blue micromoon this weekend — a blue moon that's also the most distant and smallest-looking full moon of the year.
Once in a blue moon” is usually just a saying people use for something that rarely happens. But on May 31, the phrase will match a real event in the night sky.
A rare blue moon is expected to rise on May 31, drawing attention from skywatchers, moon lovers, and astrology followers alike.
A rare Blue Micromoon will appear on May 31, 2026, giving skywatchers a chance to witness one of the years most unusual lunar events. A Blue Moon refers to the second full moon…
North America’s celestial highlights for the weekend ahead, which also apply to mid-northern latitudes in the northern hemisphere. This weekend sees a rare Blue Moon.
A Blue micromoon will peak on Sunday, with favourable weather offering a great chance to see the celestial coincidence
It will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual and will pass near a bright red star, briefly blocking it in some regions
Stargazers will be treated to a rare lunar event if they look to the skies this weekend. Experts say a 'blue micromoon' will appear on Saturday evening.
The second full moon of May — a blue moon — will make an appearance this weekend.
The celestial event isn't expected to occur again for more than 25 years.
May 2026 will feature a rare blue moon, the second full moon within the month, occurring on May 31st. This celestial event, also a micromoon, will appear near its farthest orbital…
An unusual event will light up the sky this weekend if heavy rain doesn't spoil the view.
A blue moon happens rarely with the last one appearing in August 2024