Rare ‘Blue Moon’ to illuminate skies on May 31

A rare celestial event known as a “Blue Moon” will light up the night sky on May 31, offering skywatchers around the world a chance to witness the second full moon of the month, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.

Despite its name, the moon will not actually appear blue.

 Astronomers said it would resemble a normal full moon, displaying a yellow or golden-orange glow as it rises before turning whitish as it climbs higher into the sky.

The upcoming full moon is being called a Blue Moon because it is the second full moon to occur within the same calendar month.

The first full moon of May 2026 appeared on May 1.

Experts say the phenomenon is relatively uncommon, giving rise to the popular phrase “once in a blue moon,” which is used to describe rare events.

Astronomers said the moon will rise from the eastern horizon on May 31 and will appear relatively low in the sky, just to the right of the Virgo constellation.

Some astronomy experts also use another definition of a Blue Moon — the third full moon in a season that contains four full moons instead of the usual three.

According to the astronomy website Time and Date, the seasonal definition has historical links to religious calendars based on lunar cycles.

The website explains that the naming system helped keep observances such as Lent and Easter aligned with traditional moon phases.

Astronomers said a total of 13 full moons will be visible during 2026.

The rare lunar event has generated excitement among astronomy enthusiasts and the general public, with many expected to observe the unusual sight in the night sky.