In May 2026, the UK will witness a rare astronomical event with two full moons, including a Blue Moon. The first full moon, known as the Flower Moon, rises on May 1 at 20:46 local time in London.
This unusual occurrence happens because full moons occur approximately every 29.5 days. The second full moon, referred to as the Blue Moon, will take place on May 31 at 4:45 a.m. ET.
The Flower Moon is named for the vibrant spring flowers that bloom in May. As it rises, it may appear orange or red due to atmospheric scattering, creating a stunning visual effect.
Key facts about the full moons:
- The Flower Moon reaches its peak brightness at 1:23 p.m. ET on May 1.
- The Blue Moon is expected to be visible after midnight into early hours of June.
- Both moons are classified as micromoons, meaning they are smaller and less bright than regular full moons.
- A lunar halo may appear around the moon due to ice crystals in the atmosphere.
For many stargazers and astrophotographers, this month offers an exceptional opportunity. The Flower Moon provides ideal conditions for capturing beautiful images of Earthshine—when sunlight reflects off Earth back onto the moon—enhancing its glow.
As excitement builds for these lunar events, enthusiasts will surely be out with their cameras and telescopes. However, some uncertainties remain regarding weather conditions or potential light pollution that could affect visibility.
