A rare 'Blue Moon' lit up skies across the globe on May 31, 2026, with photographers capturing stunning images of the second full moon in a single calendar month. This celestial event, which occurs roughly every 2.7 years, drew skywatchers from Tokyo to New York to witness the lunar spectacle.
The Blue Moon is not named for its color; rather, it refers to the second full moon in a month, a quirk of the lunar cycle. The May 2026 Blue Moon was especially notable as it followed a supermoon earlier in the month, making it exceptionally bright and large. Photographers in over 30 countries submitted images to outlets like Forbes, showcasing the moon rising behind landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and the Taj Mahal.
"The sight of the moon hanging low over the city skyline was breathtaking," said amateur astronomer Maria Chen, who captured the event from Hong Kong. The term 'Blue Moon' has historical roots dating back to the Maine Farmers' Almanac, but today it is widely understood through the two-full-moons-in-a-month definition popularized by a 1946 Sky & Telescope article.
Key details: The Blue Moon peaked at 11:32 UTC on May 31, 2026. It was the second full moon of May, following the one on May 2. The next Blue Moon under this definition will occur on August 31, 2027, though astronomical calendars vary. The event generated over 500,000 social media posts tagged #BlueMoon2026 within 24 hours.
Astronomers note that while the moon itself appears normal in color, atmospheric conditions can occasionally impart a bluish tint during volcanic eruptions or massive wildfires. The 2026 event coincided with clear skies over most major continents, allowing for unobstructed views. Experts say such events bring public attention to the night sky and can spark interest in astronomy.
Looking ahead, the next Blue Moon will not occur until August 2027, but multiple supermoons are expected in 2026. Enthusiasts are already planning for the next lunar highlight: a partial lunar eclipse in July. The Blue Moon serves as a reminder of the predictable yet awe-inspiring rhythms of our celestial neighbor.
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In Photos: ‘Blue Moon’ Rises Around The World
See the best images of the Blue Moon from around the world as a second dramatic moonrise occurred in the same month in a rare sky event.
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
- The Blue Moon on May 31, 2026, was the second full moon in May, occurring exactly 29 days after the first full moon on May 2.
- Photographers from over 30 countries submitted images of the Blue Moon rising behind iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Christ the Redeemer, and the Statue of Liberty.
- Despite the name, the moon's color was not blue; the event is defined astronomically as the second full moon in a single calendar month, occurring once every 2.7 years on average.
- The May 2026 Blue Moon was also a supermoon, making it approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, according to NASA data.
- Social media engagement surged with over 500,000 posts using #BlueMoon2026 within 24 hours of the event, driven by viral images from time-lapse photographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Blue Moon is the second full moon in a single calendar month. This happens approximately every 2.7 years because the lunar cycle (29.5 days) is slightly shorter than most months.
The Blue Moon occurred on May 31, 2026, at 11:32 UTC. It was the second full moon of May, following one on May 2.
No, the moon does not appear blue naturally. The term 'Blue Moon' refers to the rarity of the event, not its color. However, atmospheric particles from volcanic eruptions or wildfires can sometimes give the moon a bluish tint.
The next Blue Moon under the two-full-moons-in-a-month definition will occur on August 31, 2027. However, some definitions also consider a Blue Moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons.
Because the full moon occurred near its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit (perigee), making it appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
Use a telephoto lens (200mm or longer), a tripod, and a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake. For best results, capture the moon near the horizon when it appears larger due to the moon illusion. Set your ISO low (100-200) and use a fast shutter speed (1/250s or higher) to freeze details.
Original source
www.forbes.com
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