May 2026 is full of surprises for sky watchers. Over the next month, a rare lunar spectacle will grace the sky, with two full moons.
In this spectacular celestial activity, the Flower Moon will coincide with the Blue Moon within one month.
The first full moon, known as Flower Moon, will be visible on May 1, 2026. The name reflects the spring blooms across North America. Speaking of peak illumination, you can see the moon in its full glory Friday at 1:24 PM EDT.
But sky watchers can see the full moon the night before and the night after, but the best time to view Flower Moon is Friday during the moon’s twilight, especially when it appears on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
To view the Flower Moon at its most illuminating, head out into open countryside and find an elevated location with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
Unlike the supermoon, the Flower Moon is a micromoon and will appear slightly smaller than normal due to its greater distance from Earth in its orbit.
Here comes the second full moon, which unfolds at the end of May. The Blue Moon arrives on May 31, but the night to see the moonrise is on May 30. The Blue Moon will also rise after sunset across Europe and North America.
Maximum visibility is at 4:45 a.m. EDT, but the moon is best viewed early in the morning of May 31 and on the night of May 30.
With the arrival of Blue Moon, the year 2026 will therefore have 13 Full Moons instead of normally 12.
