Claims circulating online that the Moon would appear visibly blue on May 31, 2026, are false, according to astronomers at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
Researchers clarified that the term Blue Moon describes a calendrical occurrence—when two full moons fall within a single Gregorian month—not a change in the satellite’s observed color. The Moon’s surface reflects sunlight in familiar gray and white tones regardless of the label applied by skywatchers.
Social media posts paired altered photographs with sensational captions suggesting an unusual azure glow would be visible to the naked eye. Fact-checkers matched several images to unrelated astronomical events and filter-enhanced edits from prior years.
Historically, atmospheric particles from volcanic eruptions have occasionally tinted lunar views, but no such conditions were present for the May 31 event. Scientists encouraged observers to enjoy the second full moon of the month while understanding the phrase’s folkloric origins.
Educational institutions plan to publish additional guidance distinguishing astronomical terminology from literal color descriptions to reduce recurring confusion during future dual-full-moon months.
Planetarium educators noted that popular science outlets sometimes amplify color-related misconceptions because they attract wider audiences than technical ephemeris tables. Verification teams recommended checking institute press releases before sharing lunar event graphics created by anonymous accounts.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
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Sources:
https://itb.ac.id/news/read/63512/fact-check-blue-moon-color-myth