Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The ‘Blue’ Moon On 31st July, 2015

Do you know the reason behind the saying ‘once in a blue moon’? That is because that ‘blue’ moon actually comes out once in several years. This year, the blue moon will be visible on Friday, 31st July, 2015. Here is everything you need to know about it.

1. When does a blue moon occur?

According to NASA, anytime there is a second full moon during a calendar month, a blue moon occurs. While most years have 12 full moons, this year has 13.

2. Is the moon really ‘blue’ in colour?

Though the name suggests so, blue moons are very rarely blue. Most are pale grey and white, resembling a moon on any other night.

3. Why does the moon actually look ‘blue’ sometimes?

According to NASA, a truly blue coloured moon can be spotted on rare occasions. Mostly, it is spotted after volcanic eruptions. It’s also possible Friday’s moon could be red.

4. And, why does it look red sometimes?

NASA says that the low hanging moon looks red for the same reason that sunsets are red. “The atmosphere is full of aerosols much smaller than the ones injected by volcanoes. These aerosols scatter blue light, while leaving the red behind,” says NASA.

5. How can I see the blue moon?

Just step outside to admire the sunset on 31st July. To make the occasion special, you can celebrate by doing something you do ‘once in a blue moon’. It makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?

6. Can there be two Blue Moons in a single calendar year?

Yes. It last happened in 1999. There were two full moons in January and two full moons in March and no full moon in February. So both January and March had Blue Moons.

7. When will the next blue moon come up?

The next year of double monthly blue moons is coming up in January and March, 2018 – and then, after that, in January and March, 2037.

Happy blue moon night, everyone! ?

News Source: ABC News

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