May 2026 is full of surprises for sky watchers. A rare lunar spectacle will be visible in the sky in the coming month, with two full moons.
In this spectacular astronomical activity, the Flower Moon will coincide with the Blue Moon in the same month.
The first full moon, known as the Flower Moon, will be visible on May 1, 2026. The name refers to the spring blooms throughout North America. As for peak brightness, the moon can be seen in its full glory on Friday at 1:24 p.m. EDT.
But, while sky watchers can see the full moon the night before and after, the best time to see the Flower Moon will be moonrise during the evening on Friday, especially when it appears on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
If you want to see the Flower Moon at its most illuminated, simply head out into the open countryside and find a high spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
Unlike a 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 appears at the end of May. The Blue Moon will arrive on May 31, but the night to see the moonrise will be on May 30. The Blue Moon will rise well after sunset across Europe and North America.
Maximum visibility will be at 4:45 a.m. EDT but the moon can be best seen on the morning of May 31 and the night of May 30.
So with the arrival of the Blue Moon, the year 2026 will host 13 full moons instead of the usual 12.
