Blue moon, meteor shower to light up sky above California. Here’s when
Ever heard the phrase “once in a blue moon?”
It’ll take on a special meaning for California sky watchers in May.
Stargazers can spot two full moons, a meteor shower and more.
Here’s when to watch:
When to watch May full moon in California
The fifth full moon of 2026 will reach peak illumination at 10:23 a.m. on Friday, May 1, according to online clock Time and Date.
That’s when the sun and the moon will be on opposite sides in the sky.
May’s full moon is known as the flower moon as a reference to the “plentiful blooms that burst to life as the warm spring weather takes hold.,” according to Space.com.
When is the new moon?
The new moon will grace the night sky on Saturday, May 16, the Griffith Observatory said.
“A new moon is essentially the opposite of a full moon,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac said.
During a new moon, the side of the moon that is not being lit up by the sun is visible from Earth, the almanac explained, making it blend into the night sky.
Is there a blue moon in 2026?
If you miss the flower moon, don’t panic. Another full moon will close out the month on May 31.
The blue moon will peak at 1:45 a.m., according to Time and Date.
Blue moons occur about every two and a half years, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The origins of the name “blue moon” are uncertain, but they have nothing to do with its color, according to Mass Audubon.
Instead, the term may indicate “an element of absurdity or impossibility,” the nature conservation group said.
How can I watch Eta Aquarid meteor shower?
In 2026, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be active from April 19 to May 28, with visibility peaking overnight on Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, according to Space.com.
“The fact is that the peak of this shower stretches out over several days,” astronomy website EarthSky said.
“Eta Aquarid meteors are known for their speed, with the meteors traveling at about 40.7 miles per second into Earth’s atmosphere,” NASA said.
The meteors can leave glowing trains — incandescent bits of debris — in their wake that last for “several seconds to minutes,” the space agency said.
In the Northern Hemisphere, stargazers can expect to see about 10 meteors per hour.
When are Venus and Jupiter visible in night sky?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac said two planets will be visible this month.
On Friday, Venus, Jupiter and the star Sirius will form a triangle in the sky.
Later in the month, on Monday, May 18, the moon will appear close to Venus and then between Venus and Jupiter.
The next day, sky watchers can spot the moon between Venus and Jupiter. The moon moves closer to Jupiter on Wednesday, May 20.
The best time to look up at the moon, planets and stars is around 8:30 to 9 p.m., according to the almanac.
Where are the best places to stargaze?
For the best views, get away from city lights.
The ideal stargazing locations offer “unobstructed views of the horizon,” National Geographic said. “Mountains, moorlands, deserts and remote islands are good choices, thanks to their isolation, clear conditions and lack of light pollution.”
