In modern times, most of us know Blue Moons as the second full moon of a calendar month. By this definition, there was a Blue Moon on July 31, 2015; January 31, 2018; and March 31, 2018. The next one will be October 31, 2020.
The time between one full moon and the next is close to the length of a calendar month. So the only time one month can have two full moons is when the first full moon happens in the first few days of the month. This happens every two to three years, so these sorts of Blue Moons come about that often.
Very rarely, a seasonal Blue Moon (third of four full moons in one season) and a monthly Blue Moon (second of two full moons in one calendar month) can occur in the same calendar year. For this to happen, you need 13 full moons between successive December solstices for a seasonal Blue Moon – and, generally, 13 full moons in one calendar year for a monthly Blue Moon.
Vocabulary:
Shadow: a dark shape created when light is blocked by another object
Lunar eclipse: when a full moon passes behind the Earth into its shadow when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned
Total lunar eclipse: when all direct sunlight is blocked and light is refracted and often appears red aka a
Blood moon: when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow during a total lunar eclipse giving it a red tint thanks to the light bending around the Earth
Supermoon: when the Moon is closest to Earth and seems to be bigger and brighter than usual and then there is blue moon
Blue moon
The second full moon in a calendar month AND We use it as an idiom to say rarely.
Once in a blue moon.
He visits his mom once in a blue moon.
More Moon sayings that are out of this world
Over the moon: delighted
To be really happy about something: Francesca was over the moon with her English test scores, it means she can go to University in the States!
Ask for the moon
To ask for a lot, essentially the impossible: Am I asking for the moon if I just want a little peace?
Many moons ago
A long time ago: I went to Paris many moons ago, i’m sure it has changed since then.
Promise the moon
To promise more than you can give: Presidential candidates promise the moon to get votes.
Honeymoon
The traditional holiday after a wedding to celebrate and consumate the marriage: They left for their honeymoon right after the ceremony!
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