Blue Moon over Greece: a rare phenomenon on May 31

A rare astronomical phenomenon can be observed in the sky above Greece: May 31 the so-called Blue Moon — second full moon in the same calendar month.

According to astronomical data, the full phase of the Moon for Athens it will take approximately 11:45 local time May 31. For observers, the main time is the nights around this date, when the Moon will appear almost full.

Name “Blue Moon” does not mean that the Earth’s satellite will actually turn blue. This is not a special effect, not a harbinger of the apocalypse, and not a heavenly “two for the price of one” promotion. This is the name given to the second full moon in one calendar month.

Why is this rare?

The lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days. Therefore, sometimes there are two full moons in one month: the first at the beginning of the month, the second at the very end. This phenomenon happens approximately once every two to three years.

IN 2026 the first full moon in May fell on May 1and the second will come May 31. This is why the May Moon receives a rare status Blue Moon.

There is another meaning of the term – seasonal blue moon. This is the name given to the third full moon of the season, where there are not three, but four. But in this case we are talking specifically about the calendar Blue Moon.

The moon will be small and not blue

This Blue Moon also considered micromoon: It will occur during a period when the Moon is further from the Earth than usual. Therefore, its apparent size may be slightly smaller than that of the usual full moon.

Pthe color of the moon will not change. Near the horizon it may appear yellow, orange or reddish due to the atmosphere, but this is a normal optical effect. It turns blue only in name. Nature, as we see, also knows how to sell a modest phenomenon with a loud sign.

In the sky, the Moon will be close to the constellation area Scorpio and a bright star Antaresafter which it will move to the side Ophiuchus. No special equipment is required for observation: an open horizon and normal weather are enough.

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