A blue moon is a rare astronomical event that occurs when there are two full moons in a single calendar month. This happens about once every two to three years. The term "blue moon" is also sometimes used to refer to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
The Blue Moon of 2023
The next blue moon will occur on August 30, 2023. It will be the second full moon of August, and it will also be a supermoon, which means that it will appear larger and brighter than usual.
Why is it called a blue moon?
The term "blue moon" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. At the time, there were two different calendars in use: the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar had 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days, for a total of 365 days per year. The Gregorian calendar, which is the one we use today, has 12 months, each with 28 or 31 days, for a total of 365.24 days per year.
Because the Gregorian calendar is more accurate than the Julian calendar, it takes about 366 years for the two calendars to align again. This means that there are sometimes 13 full moons in a year, instead of the usual 12. When this happens, the third full moon of the year is called a blue moon.
What does a blue moon look like?
Contrary to popular belief, a blue moon does not actually turn blue. The name "blue moon" is simply a misnomer. The moon will appear the same color as it always does, even if it is a blue moon.
How can I see the blue moon?
The blue moon of 2023 will be visible to the naked eye in most parts of the world. The best time to see it will be shortly after sunset, when the moon is rising in the eastern sky.
What are some other unusual moons in 2023?
In addition to the blue moon, there are several other unusual moons that will occur in 2023. These include:
- A supermoon on July 3, 2023
- A supermoon on August 1, 2023
- A harvest moon on September 29, 2023
- A ring of fire eclipse on October 25, 2023
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| Photo by Alexandra Vo |
As you mentioned, the term "blue moon" was first used in the 16th century. However, by the 20th century the term had come to be used to refer to the second full moon in the same month. This usage was popularized in 1946 by the Maine Farmers' Almanac.
Scientific explanation of blue moons:
The reason sometimes two full moons occur in the same month is that the lunar cycle is actually slightly shorter than 29.5 days. This means that if the first full moon occurs near the beginning of the month, it is possible for the moon to go through two full cycles in a row.
Cultural Significance of Blue Moons :
Blue moons have been associated with a variety of superstitions and folklore throughout history. In some cultures, blue moons are seen as a sign of bad luck or bad luck. In others, they are considered times of great occasion or spiritual awakening.
How to see blue moon:
The best time to see a blue moon is shortly after sunset, when the moon is rising in the eastern sky. If you are unable to see the Blue Moon in person, you can also watch the live stream of the event online.
Other unusual moons in 2023. Besides the blue moon, there are several other unusual moons that will occur in 2023. These include:
- A supermoon on July 3, 2023. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon appear bigger and brighter than normal.
- A supermoon on 1 August 2023. This supermoon will also be a Strawberry Moon, which is the name given to a full moon that occurs in June or July.
- A harvest moon on September 29, 2023. The harvest moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. This moon is often seen as a symbol of abundance and harvest.
- Ring of fire eclipse on October 25, 2023. A ring of fire eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, but the Moon is not large enough to block out the Sun completely. This creates a circle of sunlight around the moon.
Where can I learn more about blue moons?
There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you more about blue moons. Here are a few suggestions:The Old Farmer's Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/what-blue-moon
NASA: https://www.space.com/15455-blue-moon.html
Time and Date: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/blue-moon.html
There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you more about blue moons. Here are a few suggestions:The Old Farmer's Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/what-blue-moon
NASA: https://www.space.com/15455-blue-moon.html
Time and Date: https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/blue-moon.html
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