Rare moon will shine soon in sky above Washington state. Here’s when to look up
Skywatchers in Washington state can spot not just one, but two full moons in the sky in May.
Once every two and a half years, two full moons will fall in a single month.
This phenomenon is called a blue moon, and you can catch one in the sky this weekend.
Here’s what to know:
What is a blue moon?
In May 2026, the first full moon of the month reached peak illumination on Friday, May 1.
Sunday, May 31, will host May’s second full moon.
Despite its name, the blue moon won’t actually appear to be blue. The term refers to any extra full moons in a month-long period.
This blue moon is a calendrical full moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Because the moon takes about 29-and-a-half days to complete a phase cycle, a second full moon can be seen in a single month if the standard full moon falls on the first of the month.
On average, this happens once every 30 months.
What is a micromoon?
May’s second full moon is also a micromoon.
A micromoon occurs when a full moon takes place around when the moon reaches apogee, the point when the moon is farthest from the earth, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It appears a bit smaller and less bright than most full moons.
In other words, it’s the opposite of a supermoon.
“What often makes the moon appear larger is the ‘moon illusion’ — an optical effect that occurs when it’s near the horizon,” almanac editor Catherine Boeckmann said. “Since this micromoon will be high in the sky, it likely won’t appear as large or imposing as a full moon closer to the horizon.”
Micromoons aren’t as rare as blue moons, and can occur multiple times in a year.
When can I see May blue moon in Washington?
According to online clock Time and Date, the moon will reach peak illumination at 1:45 a.m. on Friday, May 31.
The next full moon will be on June 29.
This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Rare moon will shine soon in sky above Washington state. Here’s when to look up."