Smallest full moon of 2026, a Blue Moon, to be livestreamed
The second full moon of May 2026, known as a Blue Moon, will be the smallest full moon of the year. It will be livestreamed by astronomer Gianluca Masi and the Virtual Telescope Project from Manciano, Italy. The free livestream begins at 9:30 p.m. EDT on May 30, and will also feature archival images of the moon above Rome’s monuments. The Blue Moon is monthly in definition, occurring roughly once every two and a half years. The May 31 full moon falls 19 hours before apogee, making it a micromoon, appearing up to 14% smaller than a supermoon. The article notes the editor invites readers to share photos.
What’s reported
The second full moon of May 2026 is a Blue Moon (monthly definition) and the smallest full moon of 2026.
A free livestream by Gianluca Masi’s Virtual Telescope Project starts at 9:30 p.m. EDT on May 30 (0130 GMT May 31).
The livestream will include archival images of the moon above Roman monuments.
The full moon occurs 19 hours before apogee, making it a micromoon, up to 14% smaller than a supermoon.
Monthly Blue Moons occur roughly once every 2.5 years, according to NASA.
Misconceptions
The article clarifies that a Blue Moon does not actually appear blue; there are two definitions (seasonal and monthly). The monthly definition arose from a misunderstanding.
Key figures
Gianluca Masi – astronomer, Virtual Telescope Project
Daisy Dobrijevic – Space.com staff writer (editor’s note)
Sources: space.com
