Stargazers across the United Kingdom are in for a treat this weekend as a rare celestial event known as a 'blue micromoon' is set to illuminate the night sky on Saturday evening. This unusual phenomenon occurs when a second full moon appears within the same calendar month, offering an additional opportunity to marvel at one of the night sky's most captivating sights.
What is a Blue Micromoon?
According to Alan Jones from 365 Astronomy, a blue moon is the second full moon in a single calendar month, an event that takes place only every two to three years. Despite its name, the moon will not actually appear blue. This year's event is also a micromoon, meaning the moon is near the furthest point in its orbit from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, though the difference is subtle.
When and How to See It
The blue micromoon will reach peak illumination on Sunday, but the best viewing time for stargazers is Saturday evening, when the moon rises shortly after sunset and remains visible throughout the night. Mr. Jones recommends choosing a spot with clear views of the eastern and southern horizons, away from tall buildings and trees, for the best experience. The moon will sit relatively low in the southern sky.
Why the Moon Can Appear Orange or Red
As the moon rises or sets near the horizon, it can take on orange, amber, or reddish tones. This occurs because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of light. Additionally, the well-known 'moon illusion' can make the moon appear larger when it is low in the sky, even though its actual size does not change.
Viewing Tips
While the blue micromoon will be visible with the naked eye, using binoculars can enhance the view and reveal crater regions in more detail. Smartphones can capture impressive images when mounted on a tripod and used with manual exposure settings. For dramatic moonrise photos, include buildings, trees, or landscape features in the foreground to show the moon's scale against the horizon. For closer lunar photography, a telescope with an aperture of around 80mm or more will provide crisp detail. Smart telescopes such as the Dwarf 3, Seestar S30 or S50, eVscope 2, and Vespera II are excellent beginner-friendly options for capturing detailed lunar images.
Upcoming Full Moons in 2026
- Blue Moon: May 31
- Strawberry Moon: June 30
- Buck Moon: July 29
- Sturgeon Moon: August 28
- Harvest Moon: September 26
- Hunter's Moon: October 26
- Beaver Moon: November 24
- Cold Moon: December 24
Is the Blue Moon Worth Observing?
Mr. Jones emphasizes that full moons are excellent targets for casual observers, families, and beginner astronomers. The rarity of a blue moon, reflected in the phrase 'once in a blue moon,' captures people's imagination and encourages more of us to look up at the night sky.
Phases of the Moon
Like Earth, the Moon has a day side and a night side, which change as it rotates. The Sun always illuminates half of the Moon, but how much we see of that illuminated half changes as the Moon travels through its orbit. In the Northern Hemisphere, the phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
