The Rare Blue Micromoon of May 2026 Is About To Peak — How to Catch This Smaller Full Moon
May 2026 will feature a Blue Micromoon on May 31, which is a rare occurrence of a full moon appearing twice in the same month. The best viewing time for U.S. residents will be at 4:45 a.m. ET, requiring a clear view of the eastern horizon. Micromoons appear smaller than supermoons due to their distance from Earth, but they remain visible to the naked eye.
- ▪The Blue Micromoon will peak on May 31, 2026, at 4:45 a.m. ET.
- ▪Micromoons occur when the moon is at its apogee, making it appear smaller than a supermoon.
- ▪During a micromoon, spring tides can vary by about 2 inches less than typical full moons.
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May 2026 started with the beautiful full Flower Moon and will end the month with a Blue Moon on May 31, 2026. It’s rare for a full moon to appear twice in the same month, which is why it's a phenomenon known as a Blue Moon, and each of these full moons is also called a micromoon.Find out more about what a micromoon is and the best way you can catch a glimpse of it as May 2026 comes to a close. What Is the Best Way to See the Blue Micromoon? The best time to catch a glimpse of the Blue Micromoon will depend on where you’re located. For U.S. residents, the moon will peak in the early morning on May 31, 2026, at 4:45 a.m. ET. Head to a safe location where you can get an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, mostly away from city lights.
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