Ethan Carter
May brings a thrilling experience for Moon enthusiasts, showcasing two Full Moons rather than the typical single occurrence. The first Full Moon, known as the Flower Moon, took place on May 1, while the second will grace the sky on May 31.
In months that host two Full Moons, the second one is referred to as a “Blue Moon.” This term does not imply that the Moon will appear blue; it simply highlights the event’s rarity.
Curious about this month’s second Full Moon? Continue reading to learn more about it.
What Date Will the May Full Moon Occur?
The Full Moon will take place on Sunday, May 31, with its peak expected at 4:45 a.m. ET, according to Time and Date.
What is the Significance of the May Full Moon?
This Full Moon is commonly known as a Blue Moon, possibly inspired by the well-known phrase…
Mashable Light Speed
Blue Moons happen when a month has two Full Moons. Given that the lunar cycle lasts just under 30 days, these occurrences align on occasion, resulting in one Full Moon at the start of the month and another at the month’s conclusion. This phenomenon is infrequent, appearing roughly every couple of years, as noted by NASA. This is termed a monthly Blue Moon.
A seasonal Blue Moon occurs when a single season contains four Full Moons instead of the usual three.
What is the Date of the Upcoming Full Moon?
The next Full Moon is scheduled for June 29.
How Do the Lunar Phases Work?
The Moon transitions through eight distinct phases during its orbit around Earth, which takes approximately 29.5 days. Each phase presents a different portion of the Moon illuminated by the Sun from our perspective, even though we consistently view the same side. As the Moon travels along its orbit, the illuminated section expands and contracts, cycling from full brightness to partial illumination and back. The phases include:
-
New Moon — The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the visible side dark (thus, it is not visible).
-
Waxing Crescent — A small illuminated sliver appears on the right side.
-
First Quarter — The right half of the Moon is illuminated, resembling a half-moon.
-
Waxing Gibbous — More than half of the Moon is lit, but it is not yet full.
-
Full Moon — The entire face of the Moon is fully illuminated and visible.
-
Waning Gibbous — The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
-
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is illuminated.
-
Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
Eager for more science and tech updates straight to your email? Subscribe to Mashable’s Light Speed newsletter today.
Daniel Mercer
