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Russians will be able to observe a rare astronomical phenomenon on May 31, 2026 — the second full moon in a month, coinciding with the micromoon and called the "Blue Moon" in the astrological tradition. Astrologers note that this event is associated with an increased information load, a change in the emotional background and a reassessment of current processes. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

When is the full moon in May 2026

On May 31, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. Moscow time, there will be a full moon in the 10th degree of Sagittarius. This is the second full moon of the month, as the first one was already on May 1, and it is this sequence that forms the rare phenomenon known as the Blue Moon.

— The last full moon in May automatically gets the status of a Blue Moon. At the same time, the Moon will not turn blue visually, the name is solely related to the rarity of the phenomenon," astrologer Anastasia Grokhotova pointed out in a conversation with Izvestia.

Полнолуние
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko

This time, the Blue Moon will coincide with the micromoon, and the Earth's satellite will be near its apogee, the farthest point in its orbit. Because of this, the moon's disk may look a little smaller than usual.

What is a Blue Moon?

The name of this phenomenon is not related to the actual change in the color of the moon. As a rule, a Blue Moon looks the same as a regular full moon. However, in rare cases, an optical effect occurs: small particles of smoke or ash in the atmosphere scatter red light waves, which may make the Moon appear blue. This effect, for example, is observed in the case of smoke from forest fires.

The lunar cycle, that is, the period from new moon to full moon, is about 30 days (more precisely, 29.5). Therefore, 12 lunar months fit into about 354 days, which is less than a calendar year. Because of this difference, an "additional" full moon occurs every 2.5-3 years.

Полнолуние
Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexander Kryazhev

There is a distinction between seasonal and calendar "Blue Moon". There are usually three full moons in each season (winter, spring, summer, and fall). If a fourth appears, it is called the seasonal Blue Moon. The second full moon within one calendar month is called the calendar Blue Moon.

What is a micromoon?

In 2026, the Blue Moon coincides with the micromoon, when the Moon is near the apogee of its orbit, that is, at the furthest point from the Earth. As a result, its apparent size may appear slightly smaller than usual, but this change is purely a visual effect.

The full moon will be near the bright red star Antares.

When to watch the Blue Moon in May 2026

A rare astronomical phenomenon known as the Blue Moon can be observed on the night of May 31 to June 1, 2026, with clear weather almost all over Russia.

Полнолуние
Photo: RIA Novosti/Ramil Sitdikov

The best conditions for admiring the full moon are expected in the evening, after sunset, when the Earth's satellite begins to rise and becomes clearly visible in the dark sky.

The moon will be most visible in places with an open horizon and minimal urban illumination, for example, outside large cities or in open spaces. If the weather is favorable, it will be possible to observe it with the naked eye without special equipment.

What the Blue Moon promises: folk signs and meanings

In popular beliefs, the Blue Moon was associated with the moments of completion of protracted processes and the appearance of unexpected turns in events. Astrologers note that it is during such periods that things become noticeable that previously remained hidden, including emotional stress, accumulated claims or mistakes that have not been revealed for a long time.

— In an astrological and symbolic interpretation, the Blue Moon enhances the themes of the full moon — reaching the result and clarifying hidden situations. During such periods, long-running stories are often summed up, and weaknesses in relationships, work, or plans become apparent. This is the moment when the situation reaches a climax and requires a solution — closure or transition to a new level," said astrologer Grokhotova.

Грустная девушка
Photo: IZVESTIA/Anna Selina

The full moon will pass along the Gemini—Sagittarius axis. The moon in Sagittarius highlights the themes of worldview, learning, travel, faith, ideology, and legal issues, as well as reinforces the desire to look at the situation more broadly. At the same time, the Sun in Gemini activates information flows, news, negotiations and daily contacts, the astrologer points out.

Because of this, the risk of information overload and hasty conclusions increases on May 31. It is important to double-check the data and not rush into making decisions.

The influence of the Blue Moon on human health

From the point of view of astrological observations, the full moon can affect a person's condition primarily through the nervous system and the quality of sleep. During the period approaching May 31, there may be changes in the level of concentration and general resistance to information load.

Astrologer Anastasia Grokhotova notes that on such days, manifestations of anxiety, absent-mindedness and difficulty concentrating are often recorded, especially if a person is tired or disrupts their rest regime. An additional factor may be an increased amount of information, which increases the feeling of congestion.

Сонная девушка
Photo: IZVESTIA/Anna Selina

It is emphasized separately that the micromoon may be accompanied by an internal reassessment. During this period, people may have a desire to reduce the number of external contacts, distance themselves from conflict situations, and review current plans or arrangements.

The recommendations include the need for a calmer rhythm of the day and restrictions on the information flow. At the same time, the evening of May 31 is considered as a time when observing the Blue Moon can be a way to end the day without additional stress, since the phenomenon itself is primarily symbolic and visual in nature, without having a physical impact on a person.

Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»

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