A rare blue micromoon rises this weekend
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A rare blue micromoon will occur this weekend, marking the second full moon in May and the smallest-looking full moon of the year due to its distant orbit from Earth.
- This micromoon will be about 6% smaller and 10% dimmer than an average full moon, as it will be 252,360 miles away, contrasting with a supermoon that is closer to Earth.
- The star Antares, located 550 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius, will temporarily be obscured by the micromoon for observers in the Southern Hemisphere, creating a unique celestial event.
- The term "blue moon" refers to the uncommon occurrence of two full moons in one month and does not indicate any change in the moon’s color.