05/31/2026
MAKE SURE YOU LOOK UP TONIGHT...
Tonight's full Moon comes with a rare double feature.
On the night of May 30-31, skywatchers will see a Blue Moon that is also a micromoon, making it one of the most unusual full moons of 2026.
Despite its name, a Blue Moon isn't actually blue.
The term simply refers to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. The first full moon of May appeared on May 1, and because the lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days, a second full moon squeezes into the very end of the month.
But this Blue Moon comes with an extra twist.
It is also a micromoon, meaning the Moon is near the farthest point in its orbit around Earth. As a result, it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer than an average full moon.
Most people won't notice the size difference without comparing photographs, but astronomers estimate that a micromoon can appear several percent smaller than a typical full moon.
The best time to look is just after moonrise.
As the Moon climbs above the horizon, it may appear larger than it really is because of the famous "Moon illusion." Atmospheric effects can also give it warm golden, orange, or reddish colors.
Adding to the spectacle will be Antares, a giant red star located about 550 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius.
Antares is so large that if it replaced our Sun, its outer layers would stretch beyond the orbit of Mars. During the weekend, the star will appear close to the Moon, creating a beautiful contrast between the bright lunar disk and the reddish glow of one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye.
This Blue Micromoon won't actually be blue.
It won't look dramatically smaller either.
But it combines two uncommon lunar events into one, making tonight one of the most unusual opportunities to look up in 2026. See less
