# The Flower Moon and May's Rare Blue Moon
May's full moon, called the Flower Moon by tradition, arrives with an astronomical bonus. A rare Blue Moon follows just days later on May 31, creating a double lunar event visible from Earth.
The Flower Moon takes its name from spring wildflowers that bloom across North America during this period. Photographers worldwide captured images of the bright moon rising over landscapes, mountains, and cities as it reached its peak illumination.
The subsequent Blue Moon on May 31 represents a genuine rarity in lunar cycles. Contrary to popular belief, a Blue Moon does not appear blue in color. Instead, the term refers to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month, an event that happens only once every few years.
This May pairing gives observers two opportunities to view the full moon within a week. Skywatchers do not need special equipment to observe either event. Both moons will be visible to the naked eye from most locations on clear nights.
The next occurrence of two full moons in a single month will not happen again until 2026, making this May's double event a notable opportunity for lunar observation and photography.