Rare ‘Blue Micromoon’ to Light Up Skies This Weekend — Smallest Full Moon of 2026
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Rare Blue Micromoon Rises This Weekend — Smallest Full Moon of 2026
17GEN4 News | May 28, 2026
Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial treat this weekend as a Blue Micromoon rises, combining two unusual lunar events into one stunning display.The full moon peaking on the night of May 30–31, 2026, will be both a Blue Moon and a Micromoon — the smallest full moon of the year.
What Makes This Moon Special?
Blue Moon: This is the second full moon in the month of May. The first was the Flower Moon on May 1. A Blue Moon isn’t actually blue in color — the name comes from the old saying “once in a blue moon,” referring to something rare.
Micromoon: The moon will be at or near apogee, its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. This makes it appear about 7% smaller and slightly dimmer than an average full moon (and up to 14% smaller than a supermoon).
This particular combination of a calendar Blue Moon and a Micromoon is quite uncommon. It last occurred in 2022 and won’t happen again until 2053.
When and How to See It
Peak illumination: 8:45 UTC on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Best viewing times: Moonrise on the evenings of Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Look toward the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
The moon will rise near the constellation Scorpius.
Due to the moon illusion, it may appear especially large and dramatic when it first rises near the horizon, even though it is technically the smallest full moon of the year.
Clear skies will offer excellent views with the naked eye. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal fine details of craters and lunar features.
Why It’s Worth Watching
While the moon won’t glow blue (unless rare atmospheric conditions like smoke or dust are present), the rarity of this dual event makes it a highlight for amateur astronomers and casual skywatchers alike. It’s also a great opportunity to photograph the moon rising against cityscapes or natural landscapes
Rare Blue Micromoon Rises This Weekend — Smallest Full Moon of 2026
A rare Blue Micromoon (Blue Moon + Micromoon) peaks on May 31, 2026. It’s the smallest full moon of the year — here’s when and how to see it.
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