What is a Blue Moon? Why the May full moon is so rare.
The May full moon is notable for featuring two occurrences, one on May 1 and another on May 31, which is referred to as a Blue Moon. A Blue Moon happens when there are two full moons in a single calendar month, a phenomenon that occurs roughly every couple of years. Additionally, there are seasonal Blue Moons, which occur when four full moons happen within one season instead of the usual three.
- ▪The first full moon in May occurred on May 1, followed by another on May 31.
- ▪A Blue Moon is defined as the occurrence of two full moons within the same calendar month.
- ▪This phenomenon is relatively rare, happening approximately every couple of years.
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Home > Science > Space What is a Blue Moon? Why the May full moon is so rare. Do they really happen "once in a Blue Moon?” By Lois Mackenzie Lois Mackenzie Lois Mackenzie is a freelance reporter at Mashable. Over the years she has written for many publications, covering everything from the local news to the best pair of running shoes. You can find bylines in publications including Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine, usually covering deals on everything from earbuds to TVs, or guides on how to beat your half marathon time. Read Full Bio on May 30, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Flipboard Credit: Photo by Ahsan Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed/Anadolu via Getty Images May is double the fun for Full Moon and space fans because we’re getting two in one month.
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