Two full moons light up May’s sky in South Carolina

This May, South Carolina is in for a celestial treat—a rare alignment where two full moons grace the night sky. According to astronomers, such a phenomenon, known as a "double full moon," occurs only once every two or three years. The second of these full moons carries the name Blue Moon, though it won’t actually appear blue—just a quirk of naming tradition.

🌸 The Flower Moon – May 1

The first full moon, dubbed the Flower Moon, reaches its peak illumination at 1:23 p.m. on May 1. Unfortunately for skywatchers, the sun’s glare during the day and potential cloud cover may obscure the view for many in South Carolina. However, the moon will appear full for two nights before and after the peak, offering a chance to catch its rise at sunset.

🌕 The Blue Moon – May 31

The second full moon arrives on May 31 at 4:45 a.m. While it will be visible the night before and in the early morning, this Blue Moon holds an extra distinction—it will be the farthest full moon of 2026, making it a once-in-a-cycle spectacle.

📏 A Pair of Micromoons

Adding to the rarity, both full moons are micromoons, appearing slightly smaller and dimmer than usual. This contrasts sharply with the year’s earlier supermoon, where the moon was closer and appeared larger. Without a telescope, the difference in size may be hard to notice, but the uniqueness of the event remains undeniable.

When to Look Up

• Flower Moon: Best seen rising at sunset on April 30, May 1, or May 2.
• Blue Micromoon: Most visible on May 30 (evening) and predawn of May 31.

Don’t miss this rare cosmic show—mark your calendars and hope for clear skies!