Virtual Telescope Project Livestreams 2026's Smallest Full Moon at 9:30 p.m. EDT

11 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 30

Gianluca Masi's Virtual Telescope Project will stream May's second full moon from Manciano, Italy, starting at 9:30 p.m. EDT on May 30, weather permitting.
The event is a monthly Blue Moon — the second full moon in one calendar month — a phenomenon that occurs roughly once every 2.5 years.
Just 19 hours before apogee, the moon will be 2026's most distant full moon, making it a micromoon that appears slightly smaller and dimmer than usual.
A micromoon can look up to 14% smaller than a full supermoon and up to 7% smaller than an average full moon.
The livestream will also include archival images showing the moon above Rome landmarks, broadening the public viewing event beyond the live skywatch.

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