Stargazers and astronomy lovers over the world will be interested in the upcoming Blue Moon appearance on October 31st.
For the first time in 30 years, people will see a Blue Moon across all time zones.
Despite the name, a Blue Moon is not always blue. It can turn blue, but it’s usually white. In essence, a Blue Moon occurs when there is a second full moon in the same month. In 2020, the first full moon will occur on October 1.
According to EarthSky, “The moon will not be blue unfortunately and it is safe to assume that pictures with the color were altered or shot with a special blue camera filter.”
While it’s not blue, a Blue Moon is still an exciting prospect. This is a cosmic phenomenon, which occurs around seven times every 19 years. The next Blue Moon is expected on October 31st, 2039.
The last time people saw a Blue Moon across all time zones was during World War II. Consequently, astrology lovers are highly excited about the event.
Since the moon will happen on Halloween, observatories around the world are planning to create ‘spooky’ viewing parties. Large-scale observatories, like that of NASA, are taking part in this. Trick-or-treaters will enjoy spooky shows.
According to space reports, those in the West, particularly North and South America, will only glimpse the Blue Moon. However, those in South Asia, East Asia, and Europe will view the entire thing.
While it occurred in 1944, the Blue Moon was extensively reported on until 1946 in astronomy magazines. According to the 1946 issue of Sky and Telescope, the Blue Moon became an official phenomenon after James Hugh Pruett published an article.
The article was called ‘Once in a Blue Moon’, originating the famous idiom.
In the article, Pruett wrote, “Seven times in 19 years there were – and still are – 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called the Blue Moon.”