Blue Moon shines on May 31, 2026, with planets visible across Europe

A rare "Blue Moon" will appear on 31 May 2026, marking the second full moon in the same month. The phenomenon, which occurs roughly every two and a half years when 13 full moons fall within a year, will be at its peak around 10:45 a.m. Italian time. It coincides with the Moon’s apogee, so it will look slightly smaller—a “microluna”—than typical full moons. The last similar calendar blue moon was in August 2023; the next will not occur until December 2028.

Observers in Europe will also be able to see bright planets accompanying the lunar display. About an hour after sunset, looking west, Venus and Jupiter will be prominent, while before sunrise, looking east, Mars and Saturn will be visible. Some astrologers have offered interpretive commentary, suggesting the event may inspire personal reflection and a sense of movement, but the astronomical occurrence itself is a predictable, natural phenomenon observable with the naked eye.