'Micromoon' May Is Here With 2 Full Moons, but Smaller. We'll Explain
May 2026 will feature two full moons, the first on May 1 and the second on May 31, making the latter a 'blue moon' due to being the second full moon in a single calendar month. Both full moons are also 'micromoons,' appearing smaller and dimmer because the moon is at apogee, its farthest point from Earth. These events, along with visible Earthshine around the new moon, provide multiple lunar viewing opportunities throughout the month.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
May will play host to one of the most interesting lunar events of 2026, beginning Friday night: two full moons.The rare pair will bookend the month, with the first full moon arriving Friday, the first day of the month, and the second appearing at the end. The second full moon in a single month is known as a blue moon, which inspired the phrase "once in a blue moon" to describe something rare.According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the first full moon in May reaches its peak brightness at 1:23 p.m. ET, or right in the middle of the day. The best time to see the full moon is the evenings of Thursday and Friday. You won't need any help; it'll be the brightest thing in the night sky. This moon is commonly called the Flower Moon, named in honor of the spring flowers blooming right now.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CNET.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from CNET
