The moon seems to display many colors. Some nights it looks grey, white or even orange. On Friday, August 31st, our lunar friend offers the earth a blue moon. Why do they call it a blue moon? Actually, the term has nothing to do with the color of Earth’s natural satellite.
A blue moon describes a lunar cycle phase. Archivist Phillip Hiscock says people have been using this term for four hundred years.
Astronomer Dr. Pruett described a it as the second moon of the month. Actually, a blue moon is the third full moon in seasons that have four full moons. Sometimes, during volcanic eruptions or large fires, tiny particles can make the moon look blue.
A vintage song called “Blue Moon” by Rodgers and Hart makes this astrological event sound romantic and endearing. The state of Wisconsin even has a Blue Moon beer.
The term “once in a blue moon” refers to a rare event.
The August 31st blue moon is the first one in two years. The last viewing was March, 2015. The next moon should be in early 2019.
Night gazers plan campfires and nighttime hikes to celebrate the event.
Candice Smith is a reporter for Oracle Savvy. After graduating from UCLA, Candice got an internship at a morning radio show and worked as a journalist and producer. Candice has also worked as a columnist for the The Sacramento Bee. Candice covers economy and community events for Oracle Savvy.
