Blue Moon: Understanding the Science and Significance
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Blue Moon
Have you noticed the full moon shining brightly tonight? The saying "once in a blue moon" reflects a rare occurrence that happens roughly seven times every nineteen years, or about once every three years. Today, August 19, at 2:26 PM EDT (18:26 GMT), we are witnessing such an event, which is also classified as a supermoon.
I first discussed this phenomenon on July 31, 2015. Previous blue moons occurred in January and March of 2018 and in October and November of 2020. Notably, blue moons never take place in February due to its shorter duration of 28 days. The average interval between consecutive full moons is around 29.5 days.
A full moon is designated as a supermoon when it is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, which occurs in August.
You won't experience another blue moon until May 31, 2026; the last occurrence was on August 31, 2020. For today, the full moon reached its peak at 6:25 AM ET.
Section 1.1: What Exactly is a Blue Moon?
The term "blue moon" has nothing to do with the moon's color. The origin of the term is somewhat ambiguous. One theory suggests that it derives from the old term "belewe," which means 'to betray.' This might refer to the unexpected nature of having more than one full moon in a month, or it could symbolize the moon's 'betrayal' to those trying to navigate the calendar for Lent.
According to the now-obsolete Maine Farmers’ Almanac, a blue moon is defined as the fourth full moon in a season that typically has three.
Another, more contemporary definition emerged from a 1943 article in Sky and Telescope Magazine, which described a blue moon as the second full moon within a single month. This definition gained traction through various media, including a 1980 Star Date radio broadcast, a children’s book published in 1985, and the popular board game Trivial Pursuit in 1986.
Video Description: This video titled "What is a Blue Moon? | Surprising Science" explores the science behind the blue moon phenomenon, its definitions, and its rarity in the lunar cycle.
Section 1.2: The Blue Moon's Calendar Connection
The challenge with blue moons arises from the typical twelve full moons that occur each year. The Maine Farmers’ Almanac indicated that an additional full moon could disrupt the scheduling of Church festivals. Many ecclesiastical holidays are linked to the lunar phases.
Historically, the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. established that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Consequently, Lent, which is observed 40 days prior to Easter, is also influenced by lunar phases.
Subsection 1.2.1: Alternative Names for the Blue Moon
This phenomenon is also referred to as the Full Sturgeon Moon (if two full moons occur in August), as well as the Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Full Red Moon, or Strawberry Moon. Furthermore, it inspired the 1961 hit song by The Marcels, originally written in 1934 by Rodgers and Hart.
Video Description: This video titled "Blue Moon - Science at NASA" delves into the scientific aspects of blue moons, highlighting their significance in astronomy.
Chapter 2: Conclusion
Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian, invites you to explore more about this captivating lunar event at billpetro.com.
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