When To See Rare Blue Moon In RI; It’s Also A Micromoon

If the weather cooperates, Rhode Island skywatchers will get a rare look at a blue moon this weekend, though its name is more about the calendar than its color.

The full moon peaks at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, making it the second full moon of May. That is the most common modern definition of a blue moon: the second full moon in a single calendar month. May’s first full moon occurred on May 1.

Rhode Island's weekend weather forecast calls for a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Saturday, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service.

See also: Loose Seal! Aquarium Releases Rescued Seal On Rhode Island Beach

There is a chance of showers Sunday and possibly a thunderstorm. Expect showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., and a chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Despite the name, the moon won’t actually appear blue, according to NASA. It may look golden, orange or reddish when it is low on the horizon, the same effect that can make sunrises and sunsets appear warm-colored.

A truly blue-looking moon isn’t unheard of, and is usually caused by particles in the atmosphere, such as smoke or volcanic ash.

See also: High Grocery Prices Still Squeezing RI Families: What To Know

Here’s another caveat: Far-northern skywatchers may also be entering the noctilucent cloud season. The high-altitude clouds can glow silver or electric blue after sunset or before sunrise, especially near the summer solstice, but they are unrelated to the blue moon and won’t make the moon itself appear blue.

The best time to see the moon will likely be around moonrise Saturday evening, May 30, when it climbs above the eastern horizon shortly after sunset. The moon will appear full to most casual observers from Saturday night into Monday.

See also: Must-Try RI Burgers That Live Up To The Hype

This month’s blue moon is also a micromoon, which is the opposite of a supermoon. A micromoon occurs when the moon is near apogee, its farthest point from Earth in its orbit. A supermoon occurs when it is at perigee and makes its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit pattern.

As a micromoon, this full moon will appear slightly smaller and less luminous than usual, though the variation may be subtle enough that casual observers would need a side-by-side comparison to notice the distinction.

The blue moon can be seen without a telescope. Binoculars can help bring out surface details, but the full moon is bright enough to see with the naked eye if skies are clear. Pick a site with an open view of the eastern horizon and check local moonrise times.

See also: Rhode Island Governor Makes Pick For Cannabis Control Commission Chair

Blue moons are uncommon but not extraordinary. They happen because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, while most calendar months are 30 or 31 days long. That mismatch occasionally gives a month two full moons.

A less common definition calls the third full moon in a season with four full moons a blue moon. By that measure, the next blue moon will occur May 20, 2027.

Related: 2026 Guide To Meteor Showers, Blue Moon, Micromoons And Supermoons