It’s a "once in a Blue Moon" experience—literally!

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience in the Shire of Menzies! We are hosting a special community event to witness a rare celestial triple-threat: a Blue Moon, a Micromoon, and a Planetary Alignment all in one evening.

Whether you're a local or visiting for the long weekend, join us for a relaxed afternoon and an evening of wonder.

Kick of the evening with a free community BBQ at the caravan park, followed by a telescope session at Mount Owen to witness a rare planetary alignment and the smallest full moon of the year. we're hosting a free community BBQ at the Menzies Caravan Park from 4pm for everyone making the most of the long weekend. Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Mount Owen Stargazing Pad for an evening of rare sightings.

Why is this night so special?

This isn't just any full moon. We are witnessing a rare combination of lunar and planetary events:

  • The Blue Moon: As the second full moon in the month of May, it earns the "Blue Moon" title—a feat that only happens every two to three years.

  • The Micromoon: The moon will be at apogee, its furthest point from Earth in its orbit. This makes it the official "Micromoon"—the smallest full moon of 2026!

  • Planetary Alignment: A fleeting "window" allows us to see three of our neighboring planets gathered together in the twilight sky.

There’s a perfectly timed window to witness the Blue Micromoon rise at 4:43pm while the sky is still glowing with twilight. Following the 5:04pm sunset, the telescopes will turn west to catch the “Dance of the Planets” taking a closer look at Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus before they set.

As the second full moon in May, this is a rare “Blue Moon,” but it is also at “apogee” (its furthest point from Earth), making it the official Micromoon—the smallest full moon of 2026!

Details

When: From 4pm, 31st May 2026. 

Where: Menzies Caravan Park followed by stargazing at the Mount Owen Observing Site, Cemetery Road, Menzies

Event Schedule:

4:00 PM: Free BBQ @ Menzies Caravan Park (Main St, Menzies)

4:30 PM: Telescope Viewing @ Mount Owen Stargazing Pad

4:43 PM: Blue Micromoon Rise

5:04 PM: Sunset & Planetary Viewing

What to bring: Camp chairs and warm clothing.

Cost: FREE