May 2026 Blue Moon and waning quarter Moon set to shine over Europe

A rare calendar blue moon will reach its exact full phase on 31 May 2026 at 08:45 GMT, visible across Europe and reaching peak illumination in Spain at 10:45 local time. This second full moon of the month follows the first on 1 May and will appear as a slightly smaller, less bright microluna because it occurs near the Moon’s apogee.

Earlier in the month, a waning quarter (fourth‑quarter) Moon will occur on 9 May 2026, with the phase centered at 18:13 local time under the constellation Aquarius. Both events are highlighted by the Spanish Naval Hydrography Service and are expected to attract amateur astronomers and sky‑watchers throughout the region.