An unusual event will light up the sky this weekend if heavy rain doesn't spoil the view.
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 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.
On May 31, skywatchers will witness a rare blue micromoon as both a blue moon and micromoon arrive together in one unusual celestial spectacle.
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.
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.
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.
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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…
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 celestial event isn't expected to occur again for more than 25 years.
A blue micromoon is a rare spectacle, though it’s not as blue or as micro as you might imagine
A blue moon happens rarely with the last one appearing in August 2024
For astrophotographer Tori Harp, seeing a moonbow ticks off an item on her bucket list.