This weekend, New Zealand will experience a rare astronomical event with a blue moon coinciding with a micromoon, a pairing that won't occur again until December 31, 2028. The full moon will appear smaller as it is at its furthest point from Earth, but will rise golden in color.

• 01The blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a single calendar month, with the last one on May 2.
• 02A micromoon happens when the full moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller.
• 03Astronomer Josh Aoraki from Te Whatu Stardome noted the moon will not actually be blue in color.
• 04This unique pairing of a blue moon and micromoon is a rare event for skywatchers in New Zealand.
• 05The next occurrence of a blue moon will be on December 31, 2028.