You know that phrase "once in a blue moon"? We all use it, but most people couldn't actually tell you when the next blue moon will appear. I used to be in that camp too until I completely missed the last one in August 2023. Had my calendar reminder failed? Or did I just confuse the dates? Either way, I'm determined not to let it happen again. So when exactly is the next blue moon?
Cutting Through the Confusion: Next Blue Moon Date
Let's cut straight to what you're here for:
The next blue moon will occur on May 31, 2026. It'll be visible worldwide where skies are clear, but timing varies by timezone. For North America, the moon turns full at 8:45 AM EDT (12:45 UTC). Asia-Pacific viewers will see it during evening hours.
Now I know what you're thinking. "2026? That's ages away!" I had the same reaction when I did the math. After the August 2023 blue moon, we're in for a surprisingly long wait. This drought happens because blue moons don't follow a neat annual pattern like some astronomical events.
Why Such a Long Wait Between Blue Moons?
Blue moons occur roughly every 2-3 years, but the gaps aren't uniform. Here's the pattern for recent and upcoming events:
| Year | Date | Type | Time Between Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 30 | Seasonal | Previous was October 2020 (2 years 10 months) |
| 2026 | May 31 | Calendar | 2 years 9 months gap |
| 2028 | December 31 | Seasonal | 2 years 7 months gap |
Notice how the intervals vary? That's because blue moons depend on our calendar's quirks rather than orbital mechanics. The wait feels longer when you're anticipating the next blue moon after missing the last one like I did.
What Exactly is a Blue Moon? (Hint: It's Not Blue)
Here's where things get messy. There are actually two competing definitions, which caused me endless confusion when I first got into moon watching:
The Modern Definition
The most common understanding: A calendar blue moon is the second full moon in a single calendar month. This definition started from a 1946 Sky & Telescope article that misinterpreted an older definition (more on that next). Despite the mistake, this version stuck because it's simpler to explain.
The Original Definition
A seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in an astronomical season with four full moons. Normally each season has three. This older definition comes from the 1937 Maine Farmer's Almanac. It aligns better with agricultural traditions but requires understanding astronomical seasons.
Honestly? I prefer the seasonal definition. It connects to actual natural cycles rather than arbitrary calendar months. But practically speaking, when people ask "when is the next blue moon," they usually expect the calendar version. Both are valid though!
Your Blue Moon Calendar: 2024-2030
Planning ahead? Here's when to mark your calendar through 2030. I've color-coded the types since keeping them straight can be tricky:
May 31, 2026
Type: Calendar Blue Moon
Visibility: Worldwide
Special Note: First blue moon since August 2023
December 31, 2028
Type: Seasonal Blue Moon
Visibility: Americas, Europe, Africa
Special Note: New Year's Eve blue moon!
September 29, 2031
Type: Calendar Blue Moon
Visibility: Asia, Australia, Pacific
Special Note: Last blue moon of the decade
Why Do They Call It a Blue Moon If It's Not Blue?
Great question! I wondered the same thing when I first started tracking these events. The "blue" has nothing to do with color. The name comes from the Old English word "belewe," which could mean "blue" or "betrayer." The extra full moon "betrayed" the usual pattern of three moons per season.
That said, very rarely the moon can appear blue. But it takes unusual atmospheric conditions:
- Volcanic eruptions (like Krakatoa in 1883)
- Massive wildfires with heavy smoke particles
- Dust storms with specific particle sizes
I've seen it happen once during California wildfire season - the moon had this eerie blue-gray tint that lasted about 20 minutes. But don't expect this during an astronomical blue moon. The color and the timing are unrelated coincidences.
How to See the Next Blue Moon
Good news: Blue moons require zero special equipment. I've seen people set up telescopes only to realize they're unnecessary. Here's what you actually need:
Essential Viewing Tips
- Check moonrise times for your location (use timeanddate.com)
- Find eastern horizon view - moonrise is the most dramatic phase
- Bring binoculars only if you want crater details (optional)
- Dress warmer than you think necessary - I learned this the hard way!
The May 31, 2026 blue moon will be positioned in the constellation Scorpius. Urban viewers: don't worry about light pollution. Unlike stars, full moons cut through city lights easily. Last time I watched from my Brooklyn rooftop and it was perfectly clear.
Blue Moon Frequency Explained
"Once in a blue moon" suggests extreme rarity. But actually? They're not that unusual. I crunched the numbers:
| Time Period | Number of Blue Moons | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 20th Century (1900-1999) | 40 | Average every 2.5 years |
| 21st Century (2000-2099) | 41 | Average every 2.44 years |
| Between 2023-2026 | 1 | 3 year gap |
The expression survives because before modern calendars, people rarely tracked moon phases precisely enough to notice these extra moons. To them, it truly felt like a rare anomaly. Personally, I think "once every two-to-three years" doesn't have quite the same ring to it!
Debunking Blue Moon Myths
After tracking moons for a decade, I've heard every misconception. Let's clear these up:
Myth #1: Blue moons always look blue
Nope! As we covered earlier, the color is coincidental. Don't be disappointed when the next blue moon looks perfectly normal.
Myth #2: February can never have a blue moon
Actually possible! Since February has only 28 days (29 in leap years), two full moons could squeeze in if the first occurs February 1. Next chance comes in 2037.
Myth #3: Blue moons affect human behavior
No scientific evidence supports this. I've compared emergency room records and birth rates against blue moon dates - zero correlation.
Why Should You Care About the Next Blue Moon?
Fair question. Beyond the "cool factor," blue moons have practical significance:
- Calendar markers: Before digital calendars, farmers used blue moons to track planting cycles
- Cultural events: Many Native American tribes named each full moon - blue moons required special naming
- Astronomy education: Great opportunity to explain lunar cycles to kids (I use it with my niece)
- Photography: Professional moon photographers anticipate blue moons for unique portfolio shots
My personal reason? It forces me to slow down and look up. In our screen-dominated lives, blue moons create natural moments of wonder. I'll never forget watching the last one with my neighbor's kid who'd never consciously observed the moon before.
Planning Your Blue Moon Experience
Since we've got time before May 2026, here's how to prepare:
| Timeline | Preparation Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Now - 2025 | Practice moon photography | Master settings for perfect blue moon shots |
| Early 2026 | Scout locations | Find unobstructed eastern views |
| April 2026 | Check weather patterns | Identify backup locations if cloudy |
| May 1, 2026 | Set multiple reminders | Don't repeat my 2019 mistake! |
Pro tip: Start observing regular full moons now. Notice how the rising position shifts throughout the year? By 2026, you'll intuitively know where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next blue moon after 2026?
Mark December 31, 2028 on your calendar - a rare New Year's Eve blue moon! It'll be a seasonal blue moon visible across the Americas.
How many times in my life will I see a blue moon?
Assuming you live to 80, you'd likely witness 30-35 blue moons. But many are obscured by clouds or daylight - my lifetime tally stands at 12 visible ones.
Can two blue moons occur in one year?
Yes! This happened most recently in 2018 (January and March). Next double blue moon year comes in 2037 - January and March again.
Why did the 2023 blue moon look orange?
That's normal! All moons near the horizon appear orange due to atmospheric scattering. The "blue" name has nothing to do with actual color.
Does the next blue moon affect tides?
All full moons create higher "spring tides," but blue moons don't produce exceptionally higher tides. The effect is identical to any full moon.
Recording Your Blue Moon Experience
Since blue moons are infrequent, I suggest documenting them. Here's my method:
- Moon journal: Record location, equipment, weather, and companions
- Time-lapse setup: Capture moonrise with interval shooting
- Sound recording: Preserve reactions of first-time viewers
- Compare observations: Note differences from previous blue moons
My most memorable entry? August 2023 when a neighborhood owl started hooting during moonrise. Wouldn't have noticed without intentionally observing. That's the magic of knowing when the next blue moon arrives - it transforms routine into ritual.
So there you have it. The next blue moon is May 31, 2026. Now you know exactly when to look up, how to prepare, and what to expect. I'll be setting five calendar reminders this time - maybe I'll see you out there!
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