May 2026 contains two full moons. The first, the Flower Moon, occurs on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 17:23 UTC. The second, a Blue Moon, occurs on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC.
May 2026 also contains one new moon on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 20:01 UTC. All four primary lunar phases and all eight lunar cycle stages occur within this single calendar month.
Table of Contents
Moon Phase Calendar for May 2026
May 2026 contains all four primary moon phases across 5 calendar weeks, spanning from the Full Moon on Friday, May 1, 2026, to the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
| Date | Day | Moon Phase | Illumination | Constellation (Astronomical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | Friday | Full Moon (Flower Moon) | 100% | Libra |
| Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Saturday | Waning Gibbous | 99% | Libra |
| Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Sunday | Waning Gibbous | 96% | Scorpius |
| Monday, May 4, 2026 | Monday | Waning Gibbous | 91% | Ophiuchus |
| Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Gibbous | 84% | Ophiuchus |
| Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Gibbous | 76% | Sagittarius |
| Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Gibbous | 67% | Sagittarius |
| Friday, May 8, 2026 | Friday | Waning Gibbous | 57% | Capricornus |
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Saturday | Last Quarter | 50% | Aquarius |
| Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Sunday | Waning Crescent | 41% | Aquarius |
| Monday, May 11, 2026 | Monday | Waning Crescent | 32% | Pisces |
| Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Crescent | 24% | Pisces |
| Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Crescent | 16% | Aries |
| Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Crescent | 10% | Aries |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Friday | Waning Crescent | 4% | Taurus |
| Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Saturday | New Moon | 0% | Taurus |
| Sunday, May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Crescent | 1% | Taurus |
| Monday, May 18, 2026 | Monday | Waxing Crescent | 4% | Gemini |
| Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Crescent | 9% | Gemini |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Crescent | 16% | Cancer |
| Thursday, May 21, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Crescent | 24% | Cancer |
| Friday, May 22, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Crescent | 32% | Leo |
| Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Saturday | First Quarter | 50% | Leo |
| Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Gibbous | 59% | Leo |
| Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday | Waxing Gibbous | 68% | Virgo |
| Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Gibbous | 77% | Virgo |
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Gibbous | 85% | Libra |
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Gibbous | 91% | Libra |
| Friday, May 29, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Gibbous | 96% | Libra |
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Waxing Gibbous | 99% | Scorpius |
| Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Sunday | Full Moon (Blue Moon / Micromoon) | 100% | Sagittarius |
Illumination percentages are approximate values based on standard lunar cycle progression. Precise illumination at any specific time can be verified using NASA’s Moon Phase and Libration data tool.
The Four Primary Moon Phases in May 2026
May 2026 contains all four primary lunar phases, with exact UTC times confirmed by astronomical calculation.
| Phase | Date | Day | Exact Time (UTC) | Astronomical Constellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Moon | May 1, 2026 | Friday | 17:23 UTC | Libra |
| Last Quarter | May 9, 2026 | Saturday | 22:11 UTC | Aquarius |
| New Moon | May 16, 2026 | Saturday | 20:01 UTC | Taurus |
| First Quarter | May 23, 2026 | Saturday | 12:11 UTC | Leo |
| Full Moon | May 31, 2026 | Sunday | 08:45 UTC | Sagittarius |
The lunar synodic cycle — the period from one full moon to the next — averages 29.53 days. Because May contains 31 days and the first full moon falls on May 1, a second full moon fits within the same calendar month. This is the mechanism that produces the Blue Moon on May 31, 2026.
Full Moon in May 2026 – The Flower Moon
May 2026 has two full moons: the Flower Moon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 17:23 UTC, and the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC.
The Flower Moon – Friday, May 1, 2026
The first full moon of May 2026 is called the Flower Moon, occurring at 17:23 UTC on Friday, May 1, 2026. The name originates from Indigenous North American naming traditions, particularly those of Algonquin-speaking peoples, and was widely recorded in colonial-era almanacs. The name reflects the abundance of spring flowers blooming across North America during May.
The Flower Moon carries several regional alternative names used by different Indigenous groups across North America:
| Alternative Name | Cultural / Regional Origin |
|---|---|
| Flower Moon | Algonquin tradition; most widely used in modern almanacs |
| Corn Planting Moon | Refers to the seasonal start of corn planting |
| Milk Moon | References the increased milk production of livestock in spring pasture |
| Hare Moon | European folk tradition; associated with spring hares |
| Planting Moon | General agricultural naming; used across multiple traditions |
The Old Farmer’s Almanac (established 1792) is the primary reference that codified Indigenous moon names into widely used annual calendars. NASA’s Moon Phases page and TimeAndDate.com independently confirm the Flower Moon name for the May full moon.
Flower Moon Position – Astronomical vs. Astrological
The May 1, 2026, Full Moon sits astronomically in the constellation Libra, but falls astrologically in the sign of Scorpio. This discrepancy exists because astronomical constellations and astrological signs use different reference systems.
Astronomical positions are based on the current observable position of the moon against background star constellations, as tracked by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Astrological signs use a fixed 12-part division of the ecliptic based on the position of the sun at the vernal equinox approximately 2,000 years ago. Due to axial precession — the slow wobble of Earth’s rotational axis over a 26,000-year cycle — the astronomical constellations have shifted roughly 23–24 degrees from their astrological sign positions.
| Reference System | May 1, 2026 Full Moon Position |
|---|---|
| Astronomical (IAU) | Constellation Libra |
| Astrological (Western/Tropical) | Sign of Scorpio (11°20′) |
The Blue Moon in May 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
The Blue Moon in May 2026 occurs on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC. It is the second full moon within the same calendar month, which is the definition of a Monthly Blue Moon.
What Is a Blue Moon?
Two distinct definitions of “Blue Moon” are in common use, and both are astronomically valid. The definition that applies to May 31, 2026, is the Monthly Blue Moon.
| Definition Type | Description | Applies to May 31, 2026? |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Blue Moon | The second full moon within a single calendar month | Yes – May 1 and May 31 are both full moons |
| Seasonal Blue Moon | The third full moon in an astronomical season that contains four full moons | Requires verification of the full spring 2026 season moon count |
The Monthly Blue Moon definition became widely popularized through a 1946 article in Sky and Telescope magazine, though the article itself misidentified the original folkloric definition. The Seasonal Blue Moon is the historically older definition. Both definitions are now accepted and cited by astronomical reference sources, including NASA and TimeAndDate.com.
Blue Moons occur approximately every 2.5–3 years on average, though the interval varies. The next Monthly Blue Moon after May 31, 2026, occurs in January 2028, a gap of approximately 20 months.
Is the May 31, 2026, Blue Moon Also a Micromoon?
Yes. The May 31, 2026, Blue Moon is also classified as a Micromoon.
A Micromoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon being near its apogee — the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. On May 31, 2026, the moon is approximately 402,000 kilometers from Earth, compared to an average Earth-Moon distance of approximately 384,400 kilometers.
| Moon Size Classification | Distance from Earth | Apparent Diameter Change |
|---|---|---|
| Supermoon (full moon at perigee) | ~356,000–360,000 km | Appears approximately 14% larger than average |
| Average full moon | ~384,400 km | Baseline |
| Micromoon (full moon at apogee) | ~400,000–406,000 km | Appears approximately 14% smaller than average |
The visual size difference between a Micromoon and an average full moon is approximately 14% in apparent diameter. This difference is subtle to the naked eye but measurable and relevant for astrophotographers calculating focal length and framing.
What Is the May 31, 2026, Blue Moon Called?
The May 31 full moon is the second full moon of May 2026. Because it occurs at month-end, near the summer solstice approach, some naming systems apply the “Strawberry Moon” name — traditionally assigned to the June full moon — to late-May full moons that bridge the seasonal boundary. However, the primary name applied to the May 31, 2026, full moon in most almanac references is the Blue Moon.
May 31, 2026 Full Moon – What Date Is It in Your Time Zone?
The Blue Moon occurs at 08:45 UTC on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Due to time zone offsets, this translates to different local dates and times across the globe.
| Time Zone | Local Date | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 08:45 |
| BST (British Summer Time, UTC+1) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 09:45 |
| CET (Central European Time, UTC+2) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 10:45 |
| IST (India Standard Time, UTC+5:30) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 14:15 |
| CST (China Standard Time, UTC+8) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 16:45 |
| AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time, UTC+10) | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 18:45 |
| EDT (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC−4) | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 04:45 |
| CDT (Central Daylight Time, UTC−5) | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 03:45 |
| MDT (Mountain Daylight Time, UTC−6) | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 02:45 |
| PDT (Pacific Daylight Time, UTC−7) | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 01:45 |
For observers in the United States and Canada, the Blue Moon reaches its peak on Saturday, May 30, 2026, not May 31. This is the source of widespread date discrepancies seen across calendar and astronomy websites. The astronomical event is identical; only the local calendar date differs.
New Moon in May 2026 – Saturday, May 16, 2026
The new moon in May 2026 occurs on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 20:01 UTC. During a new moon, the lunar surface facing Earth receives no direct sunlight, making the moon invisible to the naked eye from Earth’s surface.
The May 16, 2026, new moon falls astronomically within the constellation Taurus and astrologically at 25°57′ of Taurus in the Western tropical zodiac system.
New Moon Phase Characteristics
During the new moon phase, the moon and sun share approximately the same ecliptic longitude, placing them on the same side of Earth. Moonrise and moonset times during the new moon closely align with sunrise and sunset times, making the moon visible in daylight skies only briefly, if at all.
The May 16, 2026, new moon also falls near the lunar perigee — the closest point in the moon’s orbit — classifying it as a Super New Moon. A Super New Moon is not visually notable because the new moon phase is not visible, but it does produce slightly stronger tidal forces than an average new moon.
| New Moon Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date and time (UTC) | Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 20:01 UTC |
| Astrological sign | Taurus (25°57′) |
| Astronomical constellation | Taurus |
| Classification | Super New Moon (near perigee) |
| Approximate distance from Earth | ~357,000 km (near perigee) |
| Moon visible | No (illumination 0%) |
All 8 Moon Phases Explained – May 2026 Lunar Cycle
The lunar cycle contains 8 phases, progressing from new moon through full moon and back to new moon over approximately 29.53 days. May 2026 completes this full cycle twice — once from the Flower Moon through to the Blue Moon.
The 8 Phases in Sequential Order
| Phase | Description | Illumination Range | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Moon | Moon between Earth and sun; dark face toward Earth | 0% | Not visible |
| Waxing Crescent | Illuminated crescent visible in western sky after sunset | 1–49% | Evening sky, sets shortly after sunset |
| First Quarter | Right half illuminated (Northern Hemisphere); rises at noon | 50% | Afternoon and evening sky |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half illuminated; growing toward full | 51–99% | Late afternoon through midnight |
| Full Moon | Moon opposite sun; fully illuminated face toward Earth | 100% | Rises at sunset, sets at sunrise |
| Waning Gibbous | More than half illuminated; decreasing from full | 99–51% | Evening through early morning |
| Last Quarter | Left half illuminated (Northern Hemisphere); rises at midnight | 50% | Midnight through morning |
| Waning Crescent | Thin crescent visible in eastern sky before sunrise | 49–1% | A thin crescent is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise |
The Waxing Phase in May 2026
Waxing phases in May 2026 run from Saturday, May 16 (New Moon) through Saturday, May 31 (Full Moon / Blue Moon). During waxing phases, the illuminated portion of the moon increases nightly as viewed from Earth.
The waxing crescent is visible in the evening western sky from approximately Sunday, May 17, 2026, through Friday, May 22, 2026. The first quarter falls on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:11 UTC. The waxing gibbous phase runs from Sunday, May 24, 2026, through Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The Waning Phase in May 2026
Waning phases in May 2026 run from Friday, May 1 (Full Moon / Flower Moon) through Friday, May 15, 2026 (day before New Moon). During waning phases, the illuminated portion decreases nightly.
The waning gibbous phase runs from Saturday, May 2, through Friday, May 8, 2026. The last quarter occurs on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 22:11 UTC. The waning crescent phase runs from Sunday, May 10, 2026, through Friday, May 15, 2026.
Moon Phase on Specific Dates in May 2026
The following table lists the moon phase for each date in May 2026, allowing users to identify the lunar phase on any specific date, including birthdays and planned events.
Moon Phase by Date – Complete May 2026 Reference
| Date | Day | Phase | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Full Moon (Flower Moon) | 100% |
| May 2, 2026 | Saturday | Waning Gibbous | 99% |
| May 3, 2026 | Sunday | Waning Gibbous | 96% |
| May 4, 2026 | Monday | Waning Gibbous | 91% |
| May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Gibbous | 84% |
| May 6, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Gibbous | 76% |
| May 7, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Gibbous | 67% |
| May 8, 2026 | Friday | Waning Gibbous | 57% |
| May 9, 2026 | Saturday | Last Quarter | 50% |
| May 10, 2026 | Sunday | Waning Crescent | 41% |
| May 11, 2026 | Monday | Waning Crescent | 32% |
| May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Crescent | 24% |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Crescent | 16% |
| May 14, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Crescent | 10% |
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | Waning Crescent | 4% |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | New Moon | 0% |
| May 17, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Crescent | 1% |
| May 18, 2026 | Monday | Waxing Crescent | 4% |
| May 19, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Crescent | 9% |
| May 20, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Crescent | 16% |
| May 21, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Crescent | 24% |
| May 22, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Crescent | 32% |
| May 23, 2026 | Saturday | First Quarter | 50% |
| May 24, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Gibbous | 59% |
| May 25, 2026 | Monday | Waxing Gibbous | 68% |
| May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Gibbous | 77% |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Gibbous | 85% |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Gibbous | 91% |
| May 29, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Gibbous | 96% |
| May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Waxing Gibbous | 99% |
| May 31, 2026 | Sunday | Full Moon (Blue Moon / Micromoon) | 100% |
Moon Phase on May 1, 2026
The moon phase on Friday, May 1, 2026, is the Full Moon. This is the Flower Moon, occurring at 17:23 UTC. Illumination is 100%.
Moon Phase on May 5, 2026
The moon phase on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, is the Waning Gibbous, with approximately 84% illumination. This coincides with the peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower on the night of May 5 into May 6, 2026. The bright waning gibbous moon during this period will reduce the visibility of fainter meteors, particularly for observers in light-polluted areas.
Moon Phase on May 10, 2026
The moon phase on Sunday, May 10, 2026, is the Waning Crescent, with approximately 41% illumination. This date coincides with Mother’s Day in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Moon Phase on May 15, 2026
The moon phase on Friday, May 15, 2026, is the Waning Crescent, with approximately 4% illumination. This is the final day before the new moon.
Moon Phase on May 16, 2026
The moon phase on Saturday, May 16, 202,6 is the New Moon, at 0% illumination. The exact moment of the new moon is 20:01 UTC.
Moon Phase on May 20, 2026
The moon phase on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent, with approximately 16% illumination. This date coincides with the final day of the Taurus astrological season, with Gemini beginning on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Moon Phase on May 25, 2026
The moon phase on Monday, May 25, 2026, is the Waxing Gibbous, with approximately 68% illumination. This date is Memorial Day in the United States and the Spring Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom.
Moon Phase on May 31, 2026
The moon phase on Sunday, May 31, 2026, is the Full Moon (Blue Moon / Micromoon), occurring at 08:45 UTC with 100% illumination.
Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower – May 5 to 6, 2026
The Eta Aquariids meteor shower peaks on the night of Tuesday, May 5, into Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This shower is produced by debris left by Halley’s Comet along its orbital path. Earth passes through this debris field each year between late April and late May.
| Eta Aquariids Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Peak date | Night of Tuesday, May 5 into Wednesday, May 6, 2026 |
| Parent body | Halley’s Comet |
| Radiant point | Constellation Aquarius (near Eta Aquarii star) |
| Peak rate (ZHR) | 40–85 meteors per hour under dark sky conditions |
| Best viewing hemisphere | Southern Hemisphere (radiant higher in sky) |
| Northern Hemisphere rate | 10–30 meteors per hour (lower radiant elevation) |
| Moon phase at peak | Waning Gibbous (~84% illumination) |
| Moon impact on viewing | Moon’s impact on viewing |
The 2026 Eta Aquariids peak coincides with a bright Waning Gibbous moon (~84% illumination). This level of illumination washes out meteors with apparent magnitude fainter than approximately +2 to +3, meaning only the brightest meteors will be visible from most locations. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere under dark skies will see the best results, particularly in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when the radiant point is highest above the horizon, and the moon has set or is lower in the sky.
The Eta Aquariids are active annually from approximately April 19 to May 28. According to the American Meteor Society, the shower is consistently one of the top 5 annual meteor showers in terms of peak hourly rate.
Moon Phases May 2026 – Astronomy vs. Astrology
Astronomical moon phases describe the physical geometry of the Earth-Moon-Sun system. Astrological interpretations assign meaning to these phases based on the zodiac sign position of the moon at each phase.
Astrological Sign Positions in May 2026
| Phase | Date | Astrological Sign | Astronomical Constellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Moon | Friday, May 1, 2026 | Scorpio (11°20′) | Libra |
| Last Quarter | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Aquarius | Aquarius |
| New Moon | Saturday, May 16, 2026 | Taurus (25°57′) | Taurus |
| First Quarter | Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Leo | Leo |
| Full Moon / Blue Moon | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Sagittarius | Sagittarius |
The discrepancy between Scorpio (astrological) and Libra (astronomical) for the May 1 full moon results from axial precession, as described in the Flower Moon section above. For the remaining phases — Last Quarter in Aquarius, First Quarter in Leo, and Full Blue Moon in Sagittarius — the astrological sign and astronomical constellation align closely enough that most sources use the same designation.
May 2026 Moon Phases – Gardening and Planting Guide
Biodynamic gardening uses the lunar cycle to time planting, harvesting, and soil preparation. The practice is based on the principle that gravitational and light cycles of the moon influence soil moisture and plant growth, a method documented in Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 agricultural lectures and developed further by Maria Thun, whose Biodynamic Calendar has been published annually since 1963.
The two primary principles used in lunar gardening are:
- Waxing moon (increasing light, May 16–30, 2026): Traditionally used for planting above-ground crops (leafy vegetables, fruits, and flowers), as rising moisture is said to support germination and leaf growth
- Waning moon (decreasing light, May 1–15 and after May 31): Traditionally used for planting root vegetables, pruning, harvesting, and composting
May 2026 Biodynamic Planting Calendar
| Date Range | Moon Phase | Moon Direction | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Full Moon | Waning begins | Harvest; avoid transplanting |
| May 2–8, 2026 | Waning Gibbous | Waning | Root crops; harvest; composting |
| May 9, 2026 | Last Quarter | Waning | Rest; soil preparation |
| May 10–15, 2026 | Waning Crescent | Waning | Root crops; weeding; pruning |
| May 16, 2026 | New Moon | Waxing begins | Avoid planting; soil rest |
| May 17–22, 2026 | Waxing Crescent | Waxing | Leafy vegetables; above-ground crops |
| May 23, 2026 | First Quarter | Waxing | Fruiting plants; flowers |
| May 24–30, 2026 | Waxing Gibbous | Waxing | Fruits; grains; transplanting |
| May 31, 2026 | Full Moon | Waning begins | Harvest; avoid transplanting |
Note: Biodynamic lunar planting is a traditional practice. Controlled scientific studies on the effectiveness of lunar planting schedules have produced inconsistent results. The most comprehensive meta-analysis on the subject, published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture (Vogt & Gorissen, 1995), found no statistically significant effects attributable to lunar phase in controlled greenhouse conditions. Gardeners using this method typically combine lunar timing with conventional growing guidance for their climate zone.
Moon Phases May 2026 – Spiritual and Metaphysical Meanings
The following section describes the spiritual and metaphysical interpretations associated with the May 2026 moon phases. These interpretations originate from Western and Eastern spiritual traditions, modern astrology, and neo-pagan practices, and are presented as cultural and historical information.
Flower Moon – Friday, May 1, 2026 (Scorpio, Astrologically)
In Western astrological tradition, a full moon in Scorpio corresponds to themes of transformation, deep emotional processing, and completion of cycles. The full moon in Scorpio is considered a high-intensity lunation because Scorpio is associated with depth, endings, and regeneration.
The Flower Moon occurring on Friday, May 1, 2026, also coincides with Beltane — a Celtic seasonal festival marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice. This alignment of the Flower Moon with Beltane on May 1, 2026, is noted in neo-pagan and Wiccan calendars as a convergence of lunar and solar seasonal energy.
Taurus New Moon – Saturday, May 16, 2026
In Western astrological tradition, a new moon in Taurus is associated with themes of material stability, financial foundations, sensory experience, and long-term planning. Taurus is an Earth sign ruled by Venus, connecting this lunation to themes of beauty, abundance, and practical goal-setting.
The new moon phase is traditionally used in spiritual practice for setting intentions and beginning new cycles. The Taurus new moon of May 16, 2026, occurs at 25°57′ of Taurus, close to the fixed star Algol and the Pleiades star cluster, which carry additional significance in traditional Western astrology.
Blue Moon – Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Sagittarius)
In Western astrological tradition, a full moon in Sagittarius is associated with expansion, philosophical inquiry, long-distance travel, and the pursuit of meaning. The Blue Moon designation adds cultural weight as a rare event — the phrase “once in a blue moon” reflects its perceived infrequency, occurring approximately every 2.5–3 years.
Several spiritual traditions assign heightened significance to Blue Moon periods, treating the month containing two full moons as an extended lunation window for reflection, completion, and “second chances” on intentions set at the previous new moon.
Photographing the May 2026 Full Moons
The two full moons of May 2026 offer distinct photographic conditions due to their different positions in the sky, timing relative to sunset, and size classification.
Photographing the Flower Moon – Friday, May 1, 2026
The Flower Moon occurs at 17:23 UTC on Friday, May 1, 2026. Depending on longitude, this falls near sunset in Europe and the Middle East, creating a potential “golden hour moonrise” window where the full moon rises as the sun sets, with warm low-angle light illuminating the lunar surface and foreground landscape elements simultaneously.
Key considerations for photographing the Flower Moon:
- Timing: Calculate local moonrise time for your city using a tool such as TimeAndDate.com or PhotoPills
- Atmospheric effects: A moon near the horizon appears larger due to the Moon Illusion (a perceptual effect) and warmer in color due to atmospheric scattering
- Equipment: A telephoto lens of 200mm or longer (on a full-frame equivalent sensor) is recommended to render the moon at a meaningful size in the frame
- Exposure: At full moon, use the Looney 11 rule as a starting point: f/11, ISO 100, 1/100s, then adjust for ambient light conditions
Photographing the Blue Moon / Micromoon – Sunday, May 31, 2026
The Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026, is also a Micromoon, with the moon at approximately 402,000 kilometers from Earth. The moon appears approximately 14% smaller in apparent diameter compared to a full moon at perigee.
| Comparison | Apparent Angular Diameter |
|---|---|
| Supermoon (perigee full moon) | ~33.5 arcminutes |
| Average full moon | ~31.1 arcminutes |
| Micromoon (apogee full moon, May 31, 2026) | ~29.4 arcminutes |
For photographers, the reduced angular size of the Micromoon means that a longer focal length is required to fill the same frame area compared to a perigee full moon. A 400mm equivalent focal length that fills approximately 10% of the frame with a supermoon will produce a smaller moon image for the May 31 Micromoon.
The peak moment of 08:45 UTC on Sunday, May 31, 2026, translates to dawn or early morning for European observers and overnight for North American observers — creating a pre-dawn opportunity for long-exposure landscape compositions with the full moon low on the western horizon.
May 2026 Moon – Northern and Southern Hemisphere Differences
The moon’s appearance and seasonal context differ between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In May 2026, the Northern Hemisphere is in spring, approaching summer, while the Southern Hemisphere is in autumn, approaching winter.
Orientation Differences
Observers in the Southern Hemisphere see the moon’s face oriented differently from Northern Hemisphere observers. The illuminated crescent appears on the opposite side relative to the horizon, and the moon travels from right to left across the northern sky (for Southern Hemisphere observers) rather than from left to right across the southern sky (as seen from the Northern Hemisphere).
Moon Names by Hemisphere
Traditional full moon names such as “Flower Moon” and “Corn Planting Moon” originate from North American Indigenous traditions and reflect Northern Hemisphere spring conditions. Southern Hemisphere observers experience May as autumn/early winter. Some Southern Hemisphere almanac traditions apply names associated with autumn and early winter to the May full moon:
| Hemisphere | Season in May 2026 | Common May Full Moon Name |
|---|---|---|
| Northern | Spring | Flower Moon; Corn Planting Moon; Milk Moon |
| Southern | Autumn | Frost Moon; Beaver Moon (borrowed from Northern autumn names) |
There is no unified Southern Hemisphere moon naming tradition equivalent to the Algonquin-based Northern Hemisphere names. Southern Hemisphere moon names used in almanac contexts are largely adaptations of Northern Hemisphere autumn/winter names, which align with Southern Hemisphere May seasonal conditions.
Eta Aquariids Viewing – Southern Hemisphere Advantage
The Eta Aquariids meteor shower on the night of Tuesday, May 5, into Wednesday, May 6, 2026, is significantly more favorable for Southern Hemisphere observers. The radiant point in Aquarius rises higher above the horizon from Southern Hemisphere latitudes, allowing a longer viewing window with the radiant at a steeper angle. Observers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America typically record peak rates 2–3 times higher than those observed at equivalent latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases in May 2026
How many full moons are in May 2026?
May 2026 has 2 full moons. The first is the Flower Moon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 17:23 UTC. The second is the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC.
When is the full moon in May 2026?
The first full moon in May 2026 is on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 17:23 UTC. The second full moon is on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC.
When is the new moon in May 2026?
The new moon in May 2026 is on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 20:01 UTC.
What is the Blue Moon in May 2026?
The Blue Moon in May 2026 is the second full moon within the same calendar month, occurring on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC. It is also classified as a Micromoon because the moon is near its apogee (farthest point from Earth).
Is the May 31, 2026, Blue Moon on May 30 or May 31?
It depends on your time zone. The peak occurs at 08:45 UTC on Sunday, May 31, 2026. For observers in the United States (EDT, CDT, MDT, PDT), the local time falls on Saturday, May 30, 2026, due to negative UTC offsets. For observers in the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, the local date is Sunday, May 31, 2026.
What are the moon phases in May 2026?
May 2026 contains all 8 lunar phases. The four primary phases are: Full Moon (Friday, May 1), Last Quarter (Saturday, May 9), New Moon (Saturday, May 16), First Quarter (Saturday, May 23), and a second Full Moon / Blue Moon (Sunday, May 31). All intermediate phases — Waning Gibbous, Waning Crescent, Waxing Crescent, and Waxing Gibbous — also occur during the month.
What moon phase is May 15, 2026?
The moon phase on Friday, May 15, 2026, is the Waning Crescent, with approximately 4% illumination. It is the last day before the new moon.
Is there a supermoon in May 2026?
May 2026 does not contain a full supermoon, but the new moon on Saturday, May 16, 2026, occurs near perigee and is classified as a Super New Moon. The May 31, 2026, full moon is a Micromoon (near apogee), which is the opposite of a supermoon.
What is the Flower Moon?
The Flower Moon is the traditional name for the full moon of May, originating from Algonquin-speaking Indigenous North American peoples and recorded in colonial-era almanacs. The name reflects the abundance of spring flowers blooming across North America during May. In 2026, the Flower Moon falls on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Does the moon affect the Eta Aquariids in May 2026?
Yes. The Eta Aquariids peak on the night of Tuesday, May 5, into Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when the moon is in a Waning Gibbous phase with approximately 84% illumination. The bright moon will suppress the visibility of fainter meteors, particularly for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere remains the preferred viewing location due to the higher elevation of the radiant point above the horizon.
Is there a lunar eclipse in May 2026?
No. There is no lunar eclipse in May 2026.
When is the next Blue Moon after May 2026?
The next Monthly Blue Moon after May 31, 2026, occurs in January 2028, approximately 20 months later.
May 2026 Moon Phases – Quick Reference Summary
| Event | Date | Time (UTC) | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Moon – Flower Moon | Friday, May 1, 2026 | 17:23 UTC | Full Moon |
| Last Quarter | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 22:11 UTC | Quarter Phase |
| New Moon | Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 20:01 UTC | New Moon / Super New Moon |
| First Quarter | Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 12:11 UTC | Quarter Phase |
| Full Moon – Blue Moon / Micromoon | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 08:45 UTC | Full Moon / Blue Moon |
| Eta Aquariids Peak | Night of May 5–6, 2026 | Pre-dawn | Meteor Shower |
| US/Canada: Blue Moon local date | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | varies by zone | Time zone adjusted |
Lunar phase times in this article are provided in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Phase data is sourced from NASA’s Moon Phase and Libration calculations and verified against the US Naval Observatory (USNO) astronomical almanac. Astrological positions are based on the Western tropical zodiac system. Biodynamic gardening data references Maria Thun’s Biodynamic Calendar methodology. Meteor shower data is sourced from the American Meteor Society (AMS).
