A micro blue moon looms
A rare micro blue moon will occur on May 31. This event combines a "blue moon" with a "micromoon." Although it won't be blue, observers will notice the full moon appears smaller than usual due to its distant orbit from Earth.
A rare, micro blue moon is set to happen on May 31.
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WRITER: Pimprapa Jaikham
(Photo: Reuters)
As May draws to a close, skywatchers across the globe will have a chance to witness a rare celestial event known as a “micro blue moon”, during which the full moon will appear slightly smaller than usual in the night sky.
The phenomenon will peak at 3.45pm Thai time on May 31, when the moon will still be below the horizon in Thailand. However, the full moon will still appear smaller when it rises in Thailand about 6.42pm that day, which is Visakha Bucha Day.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand said the phenomenon combines two separate lunar occurrences.
The first is a “blue moon”, a term used for the second full moon within a single calendar month. The second is a “micromoon,” which happens when the moon reaches apogee, the point in its elliptical orbit furthest from Earth, causing it to appear a little smaller and less bright than a typical full moon.
Despite its name, the moon will not actually turn blue. Instead, observers may notice a slightly reduced apparent size compared with other full moons seen throughout the year. Astronomers note that this will be the most distant full moon of 2026.
Blue moons are relatively uncommon, usually occurring only once every few years, due to the mismatch between the lunar cycle and the Gregorian calendar.
Its opposite, the dramatic “super moon”, appears larger because the moon is then at its closest to Earth, or perigee.
source: Bangkok Post https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3260598/a-micro-blue-moon-looms
