Every once in a while humans get to see a Blue Moon, here on Earth. While it isn’t something that happens every year – typically it will happen once every two or three years – it is something that is greatly sought after in terms of creating drama in the night sky. Some people choose to do unique things on the night of a Blue Moon while others remain away from it for its superstitious value.
Oddly enough, though, July 2015 has been a busy month for those who have been watching the Blue Moon. Twice in the month of July this year, a Blue Moon will be present. It will show off exactly what a moon of this caliber can be, and in some light it will most certainly appear to be blue. However, the extent to which it actually is blue will be another subject up for debate.
The phrase “Once in a Blue Moon,” is something that has maintained its vigor throughout the years. However, it is something that has remained throughout the entire lifespan of the Moon. July 2nd was the first Blue Moon phenomenon this year, and now July 31st will also see a Blue Moon. The next appearance of a Blue Moon, though, will not come for a number of years. In 2018, the next Blue Moon will be seen by people.
The interesting piece of information though that comes from the Blue Moon phenomenon is the fact that astronomers don’t really go out of their way to actually observe the Blue Moon event as its happening. In fact, astronomers argue that the air is so polluted during that time that the light being cast through and the things that are observed, are oftentimes completely inaccurate and in turn create a situation that isn’t really worthy of conducting expensive research.
For the average viewer, though, the Blue Moon event is something that will certainly be worth a look. Whether we’re talking about stopping outside to glance at it quickly this Friday, or just sitting outside and enjoying the evening – the Blue Moon event this week is definitely something that will be appealing to the recreational astronomer.
