{"id":5014,"date":"2026-05-31T09:32:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T09:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/31\/blue-moon-to-shine-soon-over-california-heres-when-and-how-to-watch\/"},"modified":"2026-05-31T09:32:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T09:32:13","slug":"blue-moon-to-shine-soon-over-california-heres-when-and-how-to-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/31\/blue-moon-to-shine-soon-over-california-heres-when-and-how-to-watch\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue moon to shine soon over California. Here\u2019s when and how to watch"},"content":{"rendered":"
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California sky watchers will soon see a rare astronomical event \u2014 a blue micromoon.<\/p>\n

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The fifth full moon of 2026 reached peak illumination on Friday, May 1.<\/p>\n

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Now stargazers across the Golden State will be treated to the second full moon of the month.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s when to watch:<\/p>\n

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What is a blue moon?<\/h2>\n

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Typically, every month only has one full moon<\/u>, with a full lunar cycle lasting 29.5 days on average, Astronomy magazine said.<\/p>\n

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However, because months vary in length, two full moons can sometimes be seen in the same month.<\/p>\n

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Blue moons<\/u> occur about every two and a half years, according to the Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac.<\/p>\n

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The origins of the name \u201cblue moon\u201d<\/u> are uncertain, but they have nothing to do with its color, according to Mass Audubon.<\/p>\n

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Instead, the term may indicate \u201can element of absurdity or impossibility,\u201d the nature conservation group said.<\/p>\n

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When\u2019s the best time to watch the blue moon?<\/h2>\n

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The blue moon will reach peak illumination<\/u> at 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, according to online clock Time and Date.<\/p>\n

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What is a micromoon?<\/h2>\n

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The blue moon at the end of May will be a micromoon, appearing \u201cslightly smaller and dimmer than the average full moon,\u201d Smithsonian magazine said.<\/p>\n

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The moon may look a bit smaller in the sky on Sunday, but it won\u2019t actually change in size.<\/p>\n

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Since the moon doesn\u2019t orbit in a perfect circle, its distance from Earth changes at different points \u2014 from closer up to farther away.<\/p>\n

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A micromoon is a \u201cfull moon or new moon that occurs at or near the moon\u2019s farthest point from Earth in its orbit, called the apogee,\u201d the publication said.<\/p>\n

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Where are the best places to stargaze?<\/h2>\n

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For the best views of stars and other celestial sights, get away from city lights.<\/p>\n

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The ideal stargazing locations<\/u> offer \u201cunobstructed views of the horizon,\u201d National Geographic said. \u201cMountains, moorlands, deserts and remote islands are good choices, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution.\u201d<\/p>\n

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