You know the phrase, but how often do you actually get to see one? Dallas stargazers are in for a major celestial treat this weekend as a rare “Blue Moon” makes its first appearance since August 2024. And to add a little extra cosmic flair, this month’s event is also a micromoon.
Here is everything you need to know to catch this rare lunar show in DFW.
Will the moon actually be blue?
Unless Dallas experiences some bizarre atmospheric event (like a volcanic eruption—which we can safely cross off our bingo cards), the moon will not actually be blue. The “blue” label is entirely about its rare timing.
There are actually two definitions for a Blue Moon. The traditional seasonal Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season that happens to have four. But this weekend, we are getting a monthly Blue Moon—meaning it’s the second full moon to squeeze into a single calendar month. This is the exact phenomenon that sparked the famous phrase!
Wait, so what is a micromoon?
You’ve definitely heard of a supermoon, but a micromoon is its exact opposite. This happens when the full moon coincides with its “apogee”—the absolute furthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. Because it is hanging so far out in space, the moon will actually appear about 5.9% to 6.9% smaller than a standard full moon.
When is the best time to see it in Dallas?
The May 2026 Blue Moon officially peaks in the wee hours of Sunday, May 31, at exactly 3:45 a.m. CT. If setting an alarm for 3:30 a.m. isn’t your style, don’t worry. The moon will look exceptionally full for a few days before and after the peak. Just step outside on Saturday night, look up, and enjoy the view.
When is the next Blue Moon?
Blue Moons only roll around roughly every two-and-a-half years. If you miss this weekend’s spectacle, the next monthly Blue Moon won’t happen until New Year’s Eve in 2028. (Though a seasonal Blue Moon will pop up on May 20, 2027!)
