Here Is What Makes Tonight's Blue Moon So Rare and Unusual

Most years, the night sky delivers twelve full moons, one per month, each with its own name rooted in folklore and seasonal tradition.

But every two to three years, the lunar calendar and the regular calendar fall slightly out of step, and one month ends up with two full moons instead of one.

May opened with the Flower Moon on May 1, and it closes with a second full moon. The second full moon in a calendar month has picked up an informal name over the years: a Blue Moon, and it's happening tonight, May 31, 2026.

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Blue Moon reaches its peak at 3:45 a.m. CST — meaning for most people throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, the best viewing is actually tonight as the moon rises after sunset. Step outside after dark and look toward the southeast.

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Why This One Is Extra Unusual

Here's where tonight gets a little more interesting. This isn't just any Blue Moon; it also happens to be what astronomers call a micromoon.

A micromoon occurs when a full moon happens near apogee, the point in the moon's orbit where it is farthest from Earth. Tonight's moon sits roughly 252,360 miles away, which is noticeably farther than the average distance of about 238,900 miles.

The result is a moon that appears slightly smaller and dimmer than usual — about 7 percent dimmer than an average full moon and roughly 25 to 30 percent dimmer than a supermoon.

In practical terms, you probably won't notice the size difference with the naked eye, with the moon still looking full and bright. But the combination of a Blue Moon and a micromoon on the same night is genuinely rare.

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This exact combination won't happen again until December 31, 2028. So while tonight's moon may be the smallest full moon of 2026, it still has a pretty good story to tell.

One More Thing to Look For

If you're moon-watching tonight, scan the sky nearby. The Blue Moon will appear close to Antares, the bright red star known as the Heart of the Scorpion in the constellation Scorpius, a nice bonus for anyone who enjoys a little constellation spotting alongside their lunar views.

When Is the Next Full Moon?

The next full moon after tonight arrives on June 29, 2026. It is known as the Strawberry Moon — traditionally the full moon that signals the beginning of strawberry season in the northern United States. Mark your calendar.

Stunning Minnesota Home For Sale On Lake Superior Actually Has Rooftop Pickleball

Welcome to 1430 Stoney Point Drive, which sits on 2.07 acres and includes approximately 250 feet of private shoreline on Lake Superior.

The heart of the home is a dramatic kitchen, dining, and great room where two full stories of floor-to-ceiling windows pull the water directly into the space.

The oversized kitchen anchors it all, with a massive center island that seats five, double ovens, a smart refrigerator, and a large walk-in pantry. Down the hall, the primary suite wakes you up to Lake Superior views every morning, with a soaking tub and a 10x14 custom walk-in closet rounding out the retreat.

The upper floors add a lofted office overlooking the great room, a workout space framed by sweeping lake views, an additional bedroom and bath, and approximately 1,300 square feet of unfinished space, ready for whatever vision you bring.

However, the features that truly set this home apart are the ones nobody sees coming.

Step outside from the upper level, and you're on a rooftop pickleball court. Head downstairs, and there's a half basketball court in the basement.

The first floor, which was previously used as a short-term rental, includes a second full kitchen, bath, and laundry. A heated four-car attached garage completes the picture.

Stoney Point is nationally known among freshwater surfing enthusiasts, and this property puts you right at the edge of it, along with your own private shoreline to fish for lake trout, paddle out, or let the sound of Lake Superior do its thing.

Take a look inside one of the most remarkable homes currently on the market in Duluth, Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Listed by Alicia Lokke, Realtor at Messina & Associates Real Estate

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Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells