Bhubaneswar: Claims circulating on social media and some media platforms that a “Blue Moon” will be visible on May 31 are misleading, scientists have clarified, stating that the sky will feature a normal bright full Moon rather than a blue-colored celestial event.

According to Dr. Shubhendu Pattnaik, an eminent astronomer based in Bhubaneswar, the Moon on May 31 will appear as a regular full Moon, shining bright white as usual.

“The widely circulated idea that a ‘Blue Moon’ will be seen on May 31 is incorrect. There will be no change in the Moon’s colour. It will appear bright white in the night sky like any other full Moon,” Dr. Pattnaik said.

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What is a Blue Moon?

The term “Blue Moon” does not refer to the actual colour of the Moon. Instead, it is a calendrical term used to describe the second full Moon occurring within a single calendar month.

The phrase originates from the popular expression “once in a blue moon,” indicating a rare occurrence. In most cases, a Blue Moon happens when a month with 31 days contains two full Moons.

Since the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days, the second full Moon typically occurs only when the first full Moon falls at the beginning of the month. February cannot have a Blue Moon due to its shorter length, while 31-day months are more likely to witness this rare phenomenon.

Blue Moons occur roughly once every two to three years. The last such event in a 31-day month was observed on August 31, 2023, while the next is expected on December 31, 2028. In 30-day months, the last Blue Moon occurred on June 30, 2007, with the next expected in September 2050.

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What to expect on May 31

On the evening of May 31, a normal full Moon will be visible across India, including Odisha, weather permitting. Since this full Moon occurs when the Moon is relatively farther from Earth in its orbit, it may appear slightly smaller than usual — a phenomenon known as a “Micromoon.”

If the sky remains clear, the full Moon will be visible to the naked eye across all parts of the country.

Experts have urged the public to avoid misinformation and verify astronomical claims before sharing them on social media.

Viewers are encouraged to observe the night sky and see for themselves that the Moon will remain its natural bright white colour — not blue.