TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On May 31st, skywatchers are blessed by a once-in-a-blue moon occasion where both the micromoon and blue moon form into one irresistible spectacle. Reaching peak illumination at 8:45 a.m. UTC, this celestial event isn’t expected to happen again until late 2028, making this an especially rare occurrence for stargazers.
What is a micromoon?
The “micromoon” designation comes from the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, which causes its distance from the planet to vary throughout the month. National Geographic stated a micromoon takes place when a full moon coincides with apogee, the point where the moon is farthest from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual.
While the size difference is subtle, a micromoon can appear around 10 to 15 percent smaller than a supermoon, with the change most noticeable to photographers and experienced skywatchers.
When does the blue micromoon peak?
The full micromoon will reach its peak illumination at 8:45 a.m. UTC on May 31. Due to global time differences, skywatchers in the Americas, Europe, and Africa will see the moon at its fullest on the night of May 30. Meanwhile, EarthSky added the possibility that those across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand expect the lunar event to peak during the night of May 31.
How to see the May blue micromoon?
Skywatchers in parts of the Southern Hemisphere may witness an extra celestial highlight during the blue micromoon as the moon briefly passes in front of Antares, the bright red supergiant star known as the “heart of the scorpion” in the constellation Scorpius.
The temporary occultation will be visible in regions including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, eastern Australia, and parts of Antarctica.
The best opportunity to view the rare blue micromoon will be shortly after moonrise on May 30 or during the early hours of May 31, depending on local time zones. Skywatchers are advised to look toward the eastern horizon under clear skies, with no telescope required for viewing.
While the moon’s smaller appearance may be difficult to notice with the naked eye, binoculars can help reveal surface details such as craters and the dark plains known as maria.
Even without the dramatic glow often associated with rare lunar events, the blue micromoon remains a unique celestial sight worth watching. For many, it will be a quiet but memorable reminder of how even the most familiar object in the night sky can still surprise.
Read: Look Up! Blue Moon to Illuminate This Week's Sky Across U.S.
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