Have you ever heard the saying “once in a blue moon“? It means something that happens very rarely. But what exactly is a blue moon, and when can you see the next one? In this simple guide, we’ll break it down step by step—no fancy science words needed. We’ll cover the basics, dates, and fun facts so you can enjoy the night sky like a pro.
What is a Blue Moon?
A blue moon is an extra full moon that pops up when there are more than the usual number in a short time. Don’t worry—it’s not actually blue in color! The name is just a fun way to mark something special and uncommon.
There are two main ways people define a blue moon today:
- Monthly Blue Moon: This is the second full moon in the same calendar month. (Most people think of this one when they hear the term.)
- Seasonal Blue Moon: This is the third full moon in a season (like summer or winter) that has four full moons instead of the usual three.
Full moons happen about every 29.5 days, which is why sometimes a month or season gets an extra one.
Fun Fact: Can the Moon Really Look Blue?
Very rarely, yes! Dust or smoke in the air (from big fires or volcanoes) can make the moon look blue. The last time this happened a lot was after a huge volcano blew up in 1883. But most blue moons look like any other full moon—just brighter and rounder.
Why Is It Called a Blue Moon?
The term “blue moon” comes from a mix of old folk sayings and a 1940s magazine mix-up — not from the moon’s color or any myth about bad luck.
- 1500s: People said “the moon is blue” the same way we’d say “pigs might fly” — shorthand for something absurd or impossible.
- 1930s: A farmers’ almanac used “blue moon” to label an extra full moon that didn’t fit the usual seasonal names (like “harvest moon”).
- 1946: A magazine article misread that almanac rule, and the simpler “second full moon in a calendar month” definition caught on instead — the version most people use today.
The phrase “once in a blue moon” traces back to this same period, meaning “rarely.” Nobody knows exactly why “blue” was the color that stuck — but it did.
When Is the Next Blue Moon?
No blue moons in 2025—bummer! The last one was on August 19, 2024. It was a seasonal blue moon and also a supermoon (more on that later).
Here’s a simple list of the next ones, based on both types. Dates can shift a bit by where you live (like your time zone), but these are for most spots in North America:
When Was the Last Blue Moon?
The most recent was August 19, 2024. It was the third full moon of summer that year. Before that, one happened on August 30-31, 2023.
Worldwide schedule: UTC, EST, PST, UK, and more!
UTC: ~23:30
EST: 7:30 PM | PST: 4:30 PM
LA: 4:30 PM | London: 12:30 AM (Aug 25)
UTC: 10:59
EST: 6:59 AM | PST: 3:59 AM
Chicago: 5:59 AM | Sydney: 8:59 PM
UTC: Evening
EST: Afternoon | PST: Morning
Miami: Afternoon | Paris: Night
UTC: ~12:00
EST: 7:00 AM | PST: 4:00 AM
Tokyo: 9:00 PM | Dubai: 4:00 PM
UTC: Evening
EST: Afternoon | PST: Morning
Seattle: Morning | Berlin: Night
Next Blue Moon Countdown
Upcoming Blue Moons (2026–2030)
How to See & Photograph a Blue Moon
You don't need a telescope—just your eyes and a clear night! Here's how:
- Check the Date: Use the list above or our free widget above.
- Best Time: Look just after sunset when the moon rises in the east. It's full for about 3 days.
- Where: Any open spot away from city lights. Head to a park or lake for a great view.
- Weather Tip: Clear skies are key—check your local forecast.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and hot cocoa. It's a fun family activity!
How to Photograph the Blue Moon (Phone + Camera Tips)
Capture that rare glow with these easy steps—perfect for the May 31, 2026 event:
With Your Phone (iPhone 16 / Google Pixel 9 Pro)
- Gear Up: Grab a cheap tripod ($15–20 on Amazon) or prop on a stable surface.
- Timing: Shoot at moonrise (e.g., 5:51 AM EDT in NYC) for the "huge moon illusion."
- Settings: Enable Night Mode + 10-second exposure. Zoom 5–10x (avoid digital shake).
- Apps: Use NightCap Camera (long exposures).
- Edit: Boost contrast in Lightroom Mobile for that ethereal blue tint.
With DSLR / Mirrorless (e.g., Canon EOS R6 or Sony A7 IV)
| Setting | Value | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | 100–400 | Keeps noise low in low light. |
| Shutter Speed | 1/125s | Freezes moon motion without blur. |
| Aperture | f/8 | Sharp focus on craters. |
| Lens | 200mm+ telephoto | Fills the frame dramatically. |
| Focus | Manual to infinity | Locks on distant moon. |
Advanced Tip: Stack 5–10 shots in Gimp(free photoshop alternative) (align + blend) for ultra-clear details. Foreground a landmark (e.g., Eiffel Tower in Paris) for epic compositions.
How Often Does it Happen?
Blue moons aren't super rare—they show up about every 2 to 3 years (or once every 33 months on average). That's why the saying "once in a blue moon" fits something that doesn't happen all the time, but isn't impossible.
- In a 19-year cycle (a full moon pattern repeat), there are about 7 blue moons.
- Monthly ones happen 41 times every 100 years.
- Seasonal ones are a bit less common, but still regular.
No need to wait forever—the next one's just months away!
What Is a Super Blue Moon?
A super blue moon is when a blue moon lines up with a supermoon. A supermoon is a full moon when the moon is closest to Earth, so it looks bigger and brighter (up to 14% larger!).
- The last one: August 20, 2023.
- The next ones January and March, 2037 (a rare event!).
These are extra special—only about every 10 years on average.
How to See a Blue Moon Tonight (or Soon)
You don't need a telescope—just your eyes and a clear night! Here's how:
Check the Date Above: Use the list above or a free app like Moonphase.Today.
Best Time: Look just after sunset when the moon rises in the east. It's full for about 3 days.
Where: Any open spot away from city lights. Head to a park or lake for a great view.
Weather Tip: Clear skies are key—check your local forecast.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and hot cocoa. It's a fun family activity!
Local Weather
When is the next blue moon?
The next blue moon falls on August 24, 2026. It's a seasonal blue moon — the third of four full moons in summer 2026 rather than the usual three — so it's a slightly less common type than the "second full moon in a month" version most people picture. After that, the next one is May 20, 2027, another seasonal blue moon.
What does a blue moon look like?
A blue moon looks exactly like an ordinary full moon: big, round, and pale yellow-white. The name refers to how often it occurs, not its color. The moon only actually appears blue-tinted in rare cases where fine ash or smoke particles in the atmosphere — from a major wildfire or volcanic eruption — scatter light in a way that shifts its color. That's a separate, much rarer phenomenon from the calendar "blue moon" this article is about.
How often does a blue moon occur?
On average, a blue moon (of either the monthly or seasonal kind) happens about once every 2 to 3 years, or roughly 7 times in every 19-year lunar cycle. That works out to somewhere between 2 and 3 percent of all full moons. It's uncommon enough to feel special but nowhere near as rare as the phrase "once in a blue moon" makes it sound.
When is the next super blue moon?
The next super blue moon — when a blue moon coincides with a supermoon, making the full moon appear noticeably larger and brighter than usual — isn't due until January 31, 2037. Super blue moons only line up roughly once a decade, which makes them one of the rarer lunar events on the calendar.
When was the last blue moon?
The most recent blue moon was on August 19, 2024, a seasonal blue moon and also a supermoon at the same time. Before that, the previous one occurred on August 30-31, 2023.
What's a blue moon in astrology?
In astrology, a blue moon is often treated as an amplified version of a regular full moon — a time associated with release, closure, and letting go of what no longer serves you, since it falls outside the usual monthly rhythm. Some astrologers also link it to bigger, less predictable shifts or turning points. This is a folk and pop-astrology interpretation rather than a scientific one, so treat it as fun seasonal reflection rather than prediction.