A Blue Moon, a time period typically related to rarity, will subsequent happen on Might 31, 2026. This occasion refers back to the second full moon inside a single calendar month, a phenomenon that arises as a result of lunar cycle of roughly 29.5 days. Usually, 12 full moons are noticed yearly; nevertheless, the slight mismatch between the lunar cycle and the calendar 12 months ends in a 13th full moon roughly each two to 3 years, incomes it the designation of a Blue Moon.
Kinds of Blue Moons Defined
As reported by NASA, there are two classifications of Blue Moons: seasonal and month-to-month. A seasonal Blue Moon is outlined because the third full moon in a season containing 4 full moons, whereas a month-to-month Blue Moon happens when two full moons seem inside the similar calendar month. The upcoming Blue Moon in Might 2026 might be of the month-to-month selection.
Regardless of its identify, the moon doesn’t flip blue throughout this prevalence. The time period has historic roots and is now broadly accepted to explain these uncommon lunar occasions.
Historic Occurrences of Blue Moons
The final Blue Moon was recorded on August 19, 2024. Such occasions, whereas unusual, are predictable and happen at intervals as a result of alignment of lunar phases with the Gregorian calendar. The subsequent seasonal Blue Moon is anticipated on August 21, 2032.
Can the Moon Really Seem Blue?
Situations of the moon showing blue are exceedingly uncommon and are attributed to atmospheric situations moderately than lunar phenomena. Volcanic eruptions, akin to Krakatoa in 1883, and large-scale forest fires have triggered atmospheric particles to scatter purple gentle, giving the moon a bluish tint.
