Sky enthusiasts across the UAE are set to witness one of the year’s rarest lunar events as a Blue Moon appears in the night sky on May 31.

Astronomers say the moon will begin looking nearly full on the evening of May 30 before reaching its brightest phase during the early hours of May 31, with peak illumination expected around 3:45am.

Experts noted that the best opportunity for viewing will likely be just before sunrise, when the moon hangs low above the western horizon, and visibility conditions are expected to be at their clearest.

Despite the popular name, the moon itself will not change colour or appear blue. The phrase “Blue Moon” is traditionally used to describe the uncommon timing of the lunar event rather than its actual appearance.

Astronomers classify Blue Moons into two categories. The more widely known version refers to the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month, while another type — called a seasonal Blue Moon — occurs when a season contains four full moons instead of the usual three, making the third one the “Blue Moon.”

The phenomenon is relatively rare and follows a repeating astronomical cycle that occurs several times within 19 years.

According to astronomy forecasts, future Blue Moon events are expected to occur on December 31, 2028, September 30, 2031, July 31, 2034 and January 31, 2037.

Enthusiasts and photographers across the UAE are likely to gather in open areas and desert locations during the weekend to capture the rare lunar display.