As we wrap up May, Las Vegans are in for a unique astronomical event. This month boasts a rare celestial event, making it the only month this year to feature 2 full moons. We kicked off the month with a full Flower Moon on May 1st, and we will close it out with a stunning Blue Moon peaking during the early hours of May 31st.
How do we get 2 moons in one month?
A complete lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days, which means the moon’s phases don’t perfectly sync up with our standard calendar months. Usually, a month only has room for one full moon. But every so often, the timing is just right. Because the Full Flower Moon peaked on the very first day of May, there was enough time left on the calendar for a second full moon to squeeze in.
In modern culture, the second full moon within a single calendar month is dubbed a “Blue Moon.” It’s been nearly 2 years since the last one, in August 2024.
What makes it a micromoon?
The May 31st lunar event is a 2-for-1-deal: it’s a Blue Moon, but it’s also a micromoon. The moon’s orbit around the Earth isn’t a perfect circle; it’s an ellipse. Because of this, there are points in the month when the moon is closest to us (perigee) and farthest away from us (apogee).
A micromoon can appear about 12% to 14% smaller and roughly 7% dimmer than a supermoon. However, that subtle difference is hard to spot with the naked eye, so it will still look spectacular.
Will the moon actually look blue?
Despite the catchy name, a Blue Moon is almost never blue. The term is purely a quirk of a historical error that evolved into modern folklore. A moon will only take on a blue tint under very specific, rare atmospheric conditions. Otherwise, expect to see the moon’s classic silver-white glow.
Peak time to catch the show in Vegas
The Blue Moon reaches its absolute maximum illumination at 1:45 A.M. PDT on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
If you aren’t a night owl, don’t worry. It will appear perfectly full and bright as it rises in the eastern sky after sunset on Saturday, May 30th, and as it sets in the west right before sunrise on Sunday morning.
Best spots
- Exploration Peak Park (Mountain’s Edge): If you want to stay in the city, the short hike up Exploration Peak offers a fantastic vantage point with panoramic views.
- Red Rock Canyon Overlooks (State Route 159): While the main scenic loop closes at sunset, the pull-offs along State Route 159 just outside the park boundaries are a favorite for local stargazers.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Head east toward the lake for incredibly dark skies.
- The STRAT Observation Deck or High Roller: If you want to lean into the urban landscape, viewing the moon from one of the city’s highest vantage points allows you to capture the moon hanging right over the Vegas skyline.
