when is the blue moon
The next Blue Moon is on May 31, 2026. This rare event, happening just a few months from now in February 2026, sparks excitement among skywatchers as the second full moon in a single calendar month.
What Makes a Blue Moon Special?
A Blue Moon isn't blue in color—it's a popular term for either the second full moon in a month (monthly Blue Moon) or the third in a season with four full moons (seasonal). The May 31 event follows the first full moon on May 1, making it a classic monthly type.
This 2026 Blue Moon also coincides with a Micromoon, as it occurs near the Moon's farthest point from Earth (apogee), appearing slightly smaller than average.
Expect it at around 08:45 GMT, visible worldwide under clear skies from May 30 evening through June 1.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots
- Timing : Check local moonrise via apps like Sky Tonight for peak visibility in your area—often best at dusk or dawn.
- Locations : Places like Valencia-Castellón in Spain offer great vantage points with minimal light pollution.
- Photography : Use a tripod, telephoto lens, and low ISO; the Moon will rise in Scorpius constellation.
Date| Type| Exact Time (GMT)| Notes 3579
---|---|---|---
May 1, 2026| Full Moon| ~6:23 PM| Flower Moon, first of the month
May 31, 2026| Blue Moon| 08:45| Monthly, Micromoon in Scorpius
June 30, 2026| Full Moon| ~12:57 AM| Strawberry Moon, starts next month
Trending Forum Buzz and History
Online discussions highlight confusion over definitions, with some calling out media "clickbait" on Sky & Telescope forums—yet the event remains a crowd- pleaser.
Reddit threads like r/moon echo questions on timing, blending folklore with science.
Past Blue Moons (e.g., Aug 2024) fuel speculation: Will 2026's be "once in a blue moon" rare? Not quite—monthly ones happen ~every 2-3 years.
Beyond 2026: What's Next?
The following seasonal Blue Moon hits May 20, 2027 , then a monthly one on Dec 31, 2028.
Mark your calendar—it's a perfect excuse for stargazing stories shared around the fire, just like ancient sky lore traditions.
TL;DR: Look for the Blue Moon on May 31, 2026—a smaller-than-usual full moon lighting up the May night sky.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.