Blue moon, 2 meteor showers to occur in May 2026 — PAGASA

Heads up astrophiles! A Blue Moon and two meteor showers are expected to occur in May 2026.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a Blue Moon will occur on Sunday, May 31.

PAGASA explained that a Blue Moon refers to the occurrence of two full moons in a single calendar month.

A full Moon phase will be observed on May 2 (Saturday) and 31.

“Mahalagang paalala, hindi magiging kulay asul ang buwan. Pangalan lang ito para sa isang bihirang pangyayari,” PAGASA said.

(Important reminder that the moon will not turn blue. It is only a name for a rare occurrence.)

Citing the International Meteor Organization, PAGASA said the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be active from April 19 to May 28, with its peak activity on May 5.

“Each radiant constellation Aquarius will rise above the southeastern horizon around 1.30 am,” PAGASA said.

“Classified as a major meteor shower, it is expected to see around 40 meters per hour under moonless dark sky. However, the presence of the waning gibbous moon at the shower's peak will cause a significant interference with the meteor shower observation,” the agency added.

The Eta Lyris meteor shower, meanwhile, will be active from May 3 to 14, peaking on May 8, and is expected to produce up to 3 meters per hour.

“The shower becomes observable once its radiant, the constellation Lyra, rises above the eastern horizon around 9 p.m. It will remain visible until about 5 am the following day,” PAGASA said.

“The presence of the waning gibbous moon in the Capricornus may result in significant freedom sky brightness, thereby reducing the visibility of painter meteors,” it added. — BAP, GMA News