Have you ever wondered about the origin and meaning of the
phrase "Once in a Blue Moon"? It is often used to describe something
that happens very rarely, but what does it have to do with the Moon? And does
the Moon ever turn blue? In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating
history and science behind the elusive Blue Moon and reveal some of the myths
and legends that surround it.
How Rare is a Super Blue Moon?
You may have heard of the term "Blue Moon" to
describe a second full moon in a calendar month. But did you know that there is
another type of Blue Moon, called a seasonal Blue Moon, that occurs when there
are four full moons in a single season? And what if both types of Blue Moons
coincide with a supermoon, which is when the moon is at its closest and
brightest? That is what happened on August 31, 2023, when we witnessed a rare
phenomenon: a super blue moon.
But how often do these events occur, and what makes them so
special? Let us find out.
What is a Blue Moon?
A Blue Moon is not actually blue in color, but rather a name
given to an extra full moon that occurs in a certain period. There are two ways
to define a Blue Moon, according to NASA:
- A monthly Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar
month. (“What Is a Blue Moon? - timeanddate.com”) For example, in 2018, there
were two full moons in January and March, but none in February. The second full
moon in each month was a monthly Blue Moon.
- A seasonal Blue Moon is the third full moon in an
astronomical season that has four full moons. (“What Is a Blue Moon? -
timeanddate.com”) An astronomical season is the time between a solstice and an
equinox, or vice versa. (“7 Things You Didn’t Know About This Week’s ‘Blue Moon
... - Forbes”) For example, in 2019, there were four full moons in the spring
season (March 21 to June 21), and the third one on May 18 was a seasonal Blue
Moon.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at
or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. (“Second supermoon
in one month to appear Wednesday night | wtol.com”) "This makes the moon
appear larger and brighter than usual." (“2023's only Blue Supermoon will
appear this week”) The technical term for this phenomenon is
"perigee-syzygy", but "supermoon" is catchier and more
popular.
The distance between the moon and Earth varies throughout
the month and the year, depending on the moon's position in its orbit. The
average distance is about 384,000 kilometers (238,000 miles), but it can range
from about 363,000 kilometers (225,000 miles) at perigee (closest) to about
405,000 kilometers (251,000 miles) at apogee (farthest).
The difference in size and brightness between a supermoon
and a regular full moon is not very noticeable to the naked eye unless you
compare them side by side. However, a supermoon can still be an impressive
sight, especially when it rises or sets near the horizon.
How Rare is a Super Blue Moon?
Both types of Blue Moons are rare events, but not as rare as
you might think. The seasonal Blue Moon occurs about once every 2.5 years,
while the monthly Blue Moon occurs about once every 2.7 years. About 25% of all
full moons are supermoons, but only about 3% of full moons are blue moons, NASA
says.
"A supermoon occurs when the moon is full while at the
same time reaching at or near its closest point to Earth, specifically within
90% of the closest it can be to our planet, NASA says." (“Catch August's
rare ‘super blue moon,' which won't be seen ... - MSN”)
The time between super blue moons is irregular, with 10
years the average and 20 years the maximum. You will have to wait until January
and March 2037 for the next super blue moons, which will occur just after each
other!
These supermoons appear 7 percent larger than the average
full moon and 14 percent larger than a full moon at its most distant point from
Earth, or the apogee.
"The next seasonal blue moon will happen on Aug. 19,
2024." (“When is the next blue moon? Here's when it happens next and why
it's ...”)
Why is it Called a Blue Moon?
The name "Blue Moon" has nothing to do with the
color of the Moon. (“Rare 'blue flower moon' will appear in Saturday night's
sky | CNN”) In fact, the Moon can only appear blue in exceedingly rare
atmospheric conditions, such as after a volcanic eruption or a forest fire,
when dust and smoke particles scatter blue light more than red light.
The origin of the name "Blue Moon" is not entirely
clear, but there are several explanations. One theory is that it comes from an
old English word "belewe", which means "to betray".
According to this theory, the extra Full Moon in a season was seen as a traitor
to the usual order of things and was therefore called a "betrayer
moon" or a "blue moon".
Another theory is that it comes from an old French word
"bleu", which means "false". According to this theory, the
extra Full Moon in a season was seen as a mistake or an illusion and was
therefore called a "false moon" or a "blue moon".
A third theory is that it comes from an old slang term
"blue", which means "absurd" or "ridiculous".
According to this theory, the extra Full Moon in a season was seen as a joke or
a prank by nature and was therefore called a "silly moon" or a
"blue moon".
The Stories Behind the Blue Moon:
Regardless of its origin, the name "Blue Moon" has
inspired many stories and legends over time. Some cultures associate the Blue
Moon with magic, luck, or love. For example, in some folklore traditions, it is
believed that making a wish on a Blue Moon will make it come true. In other
traditions, it is believed that finding true love under a Blue Moon will make
it last forever.
Other cultures associate the Blue Moon with danger, chaos,
or madness. For example, in some superstitions, it is believed that werewolves
transform on a Blue Moon instead of a regular Full Moon. In other
superstitions, it is believed that people act more strangely or irrationally on
a Blue Moon.
The Blue Moon is also a source of inspiration for many
artists and writers. For example, there are many songs that mention or feature
the Blue Moon, such as "Blue Moon" by Frank Sinatra, "Blue Moon
of Kentucky" by Elvis Presley, or "Once in a Very Blue Moon" by
Nanci Griffith. There are also many books and movies that use the Blue Moon as
a theme or a plot device, such as "Blue Moon" by Lee Child,
"Blue Moon Rising" by Simon R. Green, or "Under A Blood Red
Moon" by Mina Hepsen.
The Blue Moon is indeed a captivating phenomenon that sparks
our curiosity and imagination. Whether you see it as a sign of fortune or
misfortune, beauty or mystery, hope, or despair, you cannot deny its allure and
charm. The next time you see a Blue Moon, remember that you are witnessing
something rare and special, and enjoy the moment.
The Rarity and Folklore:
Blue Moons are indeed rare, happening once every 2 to 3
years on average. This infrequency has given rise to various legends and myths
surrounding them and has contributed to the folklore surrounding them. Throughout
history, Blue Moons have been linked to extraordinary happenings and have even
inspired expressions like "Once in a Blue Moon," implying something
that is very uncommon or unlikely.
The Not-So-Blue Blue Moon:
Although the term "Blue Moon" does not describe
the Moon's color, there have been instances where the Moon has taken on a
blueish tinge. This typically occurs due to the presence of certain particles
in the atmosphere, such as smoke or dust, which can scatter red light and allow
blue light to pass through, creating a blue hue on the Moon's surface and thus
giving the moon a blue color.
The Beauty of the Night Sky:
Regardless of its color or cultural interpretations, the
Blue Moon offers us a reminder of the mesmerizing beauty of the cosmos. It
prompts us to look up, gaze at the celestial wonders, and ponder the vastness.
It encourages us to lift our eyes, admire the stars and planets, and
contemplate the mystery and majesty of the universe we belong to. No matter
what color or meaning we assign to it, the Blue Moon reminds us of the stunning
beauty of the cosmos.
Cultural Significance:
The Blue Moon is not just a rare astronomical phenomenon,
but also a source of inspiration and meaning for many cultures around the
world. Some view it as an opportunity to reflect on their lives and goals,
while others see it as a sign of change and renewal. In Native American
traditions, different tribes had their own names and stories for the Blue Moon,
often related to the seasons and the harvest, to the timing of special rituals.
For some, it is seen as a time of reflection and introspection, while for
others, it is a symbol of transformation and change.
The Blue Moon is a celestial gift that dances between the
realms of science and folklore. Whether you see it as a rare alignment of lunar
cycles or a source of enchantment, the Blue Moon continues to captivate our
hearts and stir our imagination. So, the next time you catch a glimpse of the
full moon gracing the night sky twice in a single month, remember that you are
witnessing a rare cosmic event – a true "Once in a Blue Moon"
experience.
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