Have you ever heard of the expression 'once in a blue moon?'
You probably have. Tomorrow night on New Year's Eve there will be a 'blue moon.'
According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. A full moon also occurred on Dec 2. But don't expect it to be blue - the name has nothing to do with the moon's color.
New Year's Eve blue moons are rare, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990, the next one won't come again until 2028.
Historically, each full moon throughout the year was given a folk name to help people remember to prepare for the upcoming season. The 'harvest moon' is the full moon that occurred closest to the autumn equinox. It occurred at the peak of harvest and the light of the full moon allowed farmers to work late into the night.
Some folktales say when there is a full blue moon, the moon had a face and talked to those in it's light.
So, even if you can't stay up to watch the new year come in tomorrow night, go out and look up at the blue moon. It will be a while before you see one again. All full moons are beautiful, may it inspire us to do good in the following new year.
Grab your telescopes and hope for a cloudless sky.
