Blue Moon

Generally, a month only has 1 Full moon. However, once every couple of years, a month will have 2 Full moons. This occurrence is called a "Blue Moon". This usage results from a misinterpretation of the traditional definition of blue moon in the March 1946 issue of Sky and Telescope.

A blue moon occurs only every two or three years, and the term blue moon is used colloquially to mean a rare event, as in the phrase "once in a blue moon".

The apparent colour of the moon, at any time of the year, can be affected by atmospheric circumstances. Volcanic eruptions and exceptionally large fires can leave particles in the atmosphere which give the sky, and thus the Moon, a tinge of blue (or other colours).

Read more about Blue Moon:  Origin, Early English and Christian Usage, Maine Farmers' Almanac Blue Moons, Visibly Blue Moon, Blue Moons Between 2009 and 2021, Popular Culture

Famous quotes containing the words blue and/or moon:

    The modern queer was invented by Tennessee Williams. Brando in blue jeans, sneakers, white T-shirt and leather jacket. When you saw that, you knew they were available.
    Derek Jarman (b. 1942)

    As far as I can see, this autumn haze
    That spreading in the evening air both ways
    Makes the new moon look anything but new
    And pours the elm-tree meadow full of blue,
    Is all the smoke from one poor house alone....
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)