Blue Moon over Sounion creates stunning night view in Greece

On the night of May 31‑June 1, a second full moon of the month – known as a “blue moon” – rose over the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Greece. The moon became visible at about 20:36 and remained in the sky until early morning, offering a rare spectacle for observers on the peninsula and anyone looking up.

The term “blue moon” is purely astronomical, referring to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month, a phenomenon that repeats every two to three years. It does not describe an actual blue colour; any blue hue sometimes seen is caused by atmospheric particles such as dust or smoke. Historical instances of a genuinely blue‑coloured moon were recorded after large volcanic eruptions and major forest fires.