The Blue Moon of May 31, 2026: What It Is and How to See It
This is why people often use the phrase “once in a Blue Moon” to mean something rare. Blue Moons do not happen every year, but they are not extremely rare either. On average, a Blue Moon occurs about once every two to three years. Will the Moon Actually Look Blue? Probably not. The name “Blue Moon” can be a little misleading. On May 31, 2026, the Moon is expected to look like a normal full Moon. It may appear bright white, pale yellow, or orange when it is close to the horizon. That orange or golden color happens because moonlight passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere when the Moon is low in the sky. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, leaving warmer colors for our eyes to see. A genuinely blue-looking Moon is possible, but it is extremely unusual. It usually requires tiny particles in the atmosphere, such as smoke or volcanic ash, that scatter red light and allow more blue light to reach observers. Historical volcanic eruptions and large wildfires...