Rare Blue Micromoon This Weekend, Next One in 2028

This weekend brings a celestial treat that won't return for more than three years: a blue micromoon lighting up the night sky.

The rare event combines two moon phenomena into one special show. A blue moon happens when two full moons appear in a single month, and this May delivered its first full moon on the 1st and its second this weekend.

Despite its colorful name, the moon won't glow turquoise or sapphire. The term "blue moon" simply describes the uncommon timing of having two full moons in one calendar month, which happens only once every two or three years.

What makes this blue moon extra special is its distance from Earth. At 252,360 miles away, it's the farthest and smallest-looking full moon of the year, earning it the "micro" part of its name.

That's about 27,000 miles farther than the most recent supermoon, which came within 225,130 miles of us. The Virtual Telescope Project notes the micromoon will appear roughly 6% smaller and 10% dimmer than an average full moon, so you'll need to look intentionally to appreciate the view.

Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere get bonus entertainment. In Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, eastern Australia, and parts of Antarctica, the moon will pass directly in front of Antares, a red supergiant star in the constellation Scorpius.

For a brief moment, this bright star known as the "heart of scorpion" will disappear behind the moon. Meanwhile, observers in the Northern Hemisphere will see Antares shining steadily beside the full moon throughout the night.

Why This Inspires

This blue micromoon reminds us that nature operates on its own beautiful timeline. The next blue moon won't arrive until December 31, 2028, making this weekend's event a genuine "don't miss it" moment.

The Virtual Telescope Project will stream live images from its robotic telescopes for anyone unable to step outside. Whether you watch from your backyard or your screen, you're witnessing something millions of people won't see again for years.

These celestial events connect us across continents and hemispheres, all looking up at the same sky in wonder. This weekend offers a perfect excuse to pause, step outside, and appreciate the cosmic dance happening above us every single night.