Keep your eyes peeled for the Blue Moon this weekend, a phenomenon that occurs once in a … well, you know the expression.
The cosmos have something special in store for stargazers. The Blue Moon, second full moon in a single calendar month, is set to take place among the stars for the first time since August 2024. Furthermore, the May 2026 Blue Moon will also be a micromoon.
Continue below for more details on the Blue Moon and how to witness it in Houston.
What is a Blue Moon?
Barring extreme atmospheric conditions – such as a volcano eruption, which thankfully is not an issue for Houston – the Blue Moon isn’t actually blue. A misnomer, the Blue Moon is called as such due to its timing and rarity of occurrence.
There are actually two types of Blue Moons: seasonal and monthly.
A seasonal Blue Moon refers to the third full moon in an astronomical season of four full moons – this is a traditional definition. This weekend, we’ll be treated to the monthly Blue Moon, that is, the second full moon in a single calendar month – the actual source of the expression.
What is a micromoon?
Opposite a supermoon, a micromoon is full or new moon that occurs when the moon is at its apogee – the furthest point in its elliptical orbit from Earth. As a result, the moon will appear from 5.9% – 6.9% smaller than your typical full moon.
When does the 2026 Blue Moon peak?
The 2026 Blue Moon will peak in the wee hours of May 31 at 3:45 am CT. If you’re unwilling to stay up late, or wake up early, to check out the moon: don’t fret. The Blue Moon will appear full for a few days before and after it peaks, meaning you can see the Blue Moon and its glory Saturday night.
When is the next Blue Moon?
Blue Moons occur around every 2.5 years. The next monthly Blue Moon won’t take place until New Year’s Eve 2028. The next seasonal Blue Moon, however, will take place on May 20, 2027.
