Overview
- The second full moon in May will peak on 31 May 2026 and will be visible to observers across much of the world if skies are clear.
- Because the full moon occurs near lunar apogee it qualifies as a microluna and will appear measurably reduced in size and brightness compared with an average full moon.
- Published estimates put the apparent size about 5–6% smaller and brightness roughly 10% lower than a typical full moon, a difference most easily seen in photos or measurements.
- Specialists say the microluna will only slightly affect tides, with variations on the order of about five centimeters, and it poses no danger to people or infrastructure.
- The term 'Blue Moon' here means a second full moon in one calendar month, not a color change, NASA notes the event happens every few years, and the next comparable monthly Blue Moon will be in December 2028.