Rare Blue Moon visible across Pakistan under clear skies

ISLAMABAD: People in cities across Pakistan watched a rare Blue Moon on Sunday night as clear weather made the lunar event visible in much of the country.

Residents in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan and several other cities observed the full moon after it rose in the evening. The sight drew astronomy enthusiasts, families and photography lovers, many of whom gathered to view and photograph it.

Astronomers said the Blue Moon occurred because May 2026 had two full moons in the same calendar month. The first full moon appeared on May 1, while the second fell on May 31. Such an event is uncommon and generally takes place once every two to three years.

Professor Dr Syed Aamir Mahmood, chairman of the Department of Space Science at Punjab University, explained the term in a statement on the phenomenon. "The Blue Moon does not refer to the colour of the moon. Instead, it is an astronomical term used when two full moons occur within the same calendar month," he said.

He added that this year’s Blue Moon was also a Micromoon, meaning the moon was farther from Earth than usual in its orbit. Because of that greater distance, it appeared slightly smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon.

Different names for lunar events

Astronomers also outlined how different full moon events are classified. A Blue Moon refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, while a Supermoon is seen when the moon appears larger and brighter because it is closer to Earth.

They said a Micromoon appears smaller because of its increased distance from Earth, while a Blood Moon describes the moon’s reddish appearance during a total lunar eclipse. Other traditional names include the Harvest Moon, linked to the autumn season, and the Strawberry Moon, the full moon that occurs in June.