Have you heard of the popular phrase “Once in a blue moon”? If not, it refers to a situation that occurs rarely. Likewise, in this blog, I am talking about such a moon that occurs rarely once every 2.7 years on average. The full Moon of Sunday, August 22nd, was a “Blue Moon”. The last such moon occurred on October 31, 2020. Is such a moon really blue in color? What’s so special about such a moon? Keep reading to find more about the rarely occurring moon “the blue moon”.
What actually is a blue moon?
The term ‘Blue Moon’ is generally used to refer to the second full moon in a month. Although the case wasn’t always so. Interestingly, this colorful term is a calendar error that initially appeared in March 1946 in the pages of Sky & Telescope and swiftly traveled around the world. Likewise, According to Sky & Telescope editors and authors, the classic astronomical definition may be traced back to the Maine Farmers’ Almanac in the late 1930s. The Almanac usually used the phrase to refer to the third full Moon in a season with four Full Moons instead of the usual three.
This year too on August 22, Sunday the rare blue moon came to sight. According to Sky & Telescope, the Moon was exactly full (that is, directly opposite the Sun) this month at 8:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (12:01 Universal Time), after the Moon has set as seen from the U.S. East Coast.
Diana Hannikainen, Sky & Telescope’s Observing Editor, explained “By introducing the ‘Blue’ Moon, classic full Moon names like the Wolf Moon and Harvest Moon remained in harmony with their seasons,”. Such a moon occurs when the lunar cycle causes the full Moon to emerge within a few days of an equinox or solstice. The last time this happened was in February 2019, and it will happen again in August 2024.
Are moons even blue in color?
The good news for selenophiles is that yes, you may see an actual blue-colored moon in the sky someday. Blue-colored Moons are uncommon. And above that, they are not always full. They occur when the Earth’s atmosphere includes dust or smoke particles of a specific size. There are certain atmospheric conditions that make the moon look blue. When the particles are somewhat larger than 900 nanometers in diameter. When a wildfire rages nearby, you might discover particles of this size in the air above you. The scattering of red light by such particles of this size is particularly efficient. When these particles are present in our air, and the Moon shines through them. That’s exactly when we can witness the moon in blue color.
Why is the full moon of August so special?
Full moons in astrology are always a sign of energy, emotional climaxes, personal illuminations, and natural conclusions. Likewise, the August 2021 full moon is even more special. No wonder it is special because it’s the second full moon in Leo season making it an astrological blue moon. The spiritual meaning of the full moon in blue urges us to revisit the rebellious and unconventional themes of last month’s big lunation. And finding fresh ways to engage with our friends and communities. Here is bad news if you slept and didn’t enjoy the full moon of August, Sunday. You missed the mystical magic that this powerful lunation had to offer.
However, don’t be dishearten because after reading this blog I am sure you won’t miss the coming special rare moon in August 2024. The full blue moon’s spiritual meaning will illuminate our hopes and wishes for the future and they will shine on you. It’s a great time to meditate on your personal intentions focusing on your goals. You can also perform a simple full moon ritual by getting yourself in a peaceful zone. You can start by visualizing the future you want to create for yourself in detail. And eventually setting a solid step-by-step plan to get you there. Treat yourself to a peaceful yet energizing time in the coming blue moon.
Also Read: Learn What Would Happen If There Was No Moon
