This is a fairly rare celestial phenomenon that will not occur again before the end of 2028.
Every month, astronomy enthusiasts impatiently await the Full Moons. After the Flower Moon, the Pink Moon or even the Snow Moon, a rare astronomical event is about to light up our night sky: the appearance of a Blue Moon. This phenomenon is uncommon and only occurs approximately every 2 to 3 years. The last time we were able to observe such a configuration was on the night of August 30 to 31, 2023. This moon was doubly special since it was also a “Super Moon”, appearing slightly larger and brighter than usual.
The second Full Moon that occurs during a single calendar month is called the “Blue Moon”. The origin of this name remains mysterious, but it is often associated with the English expression “once in a Blue Moon” (the equivalent of our expression “Every thirty-sixth of the month”), which underlines the rarity of an event. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Moon will not change color to take on an azure glow. Concretely, the appearance of the Moon will be identical to that of a classic full Moon: a perfectly round disk, shining a pearl gray or a dazzling white.
This celestial meeting will take place on the night of Saturday May 30 to Sunday May 31, 2026. That night, the Moon will be particularly visible between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. To enjoy the spectacle, no special precautions are necessary: observing the Moon is completely harmless to the eyes, unlike solar eclipses. We can therefore observe it with the naked eye, without any instrument.
For the best experience, it’s best to stay away from the light pollution of big cities, although the Moon is bright enough to be seen from anywhere. A pair of binoculars or a small telescope helps to admire the details of craters and lunar “seas”. To spot it, simply look up at the horizon as soon as the Sun sets, the Moon crossing the sky from east to west throughout the night.
Since a first full Moon will have already taken place at the very beginning of May, that of the 31st closes the month in style as an “Additional Moon”. It’s a perfect opportunity for a night out with family or friends before waiting for the next one, which won’t happen again until the end of 2028.
