What is a Blue Moon? Posted by Cathie McCarthy Hi Mike, I read your print out on the moon but you forgot to mention the blue moon coming up on the 31st of July, and I wondered if you knew what a blue moon was? if so could you enlighten me please, Cathie.

	1. Re: What is a Blue Moon? — Mike Wills
	2. My Dear Lady Moonbeam — Cathie McCarthy

1. Re: What is a Blue Moon? From Mike Wills Hi Cathie, A Blue Moon, according to the modern definition, is the second Full Moon to occur in a single calendar month. This is why the next Blue Moon is in July 2004 (although it may be in August, depending on which time zone you live in). The average interval between Full Moons is about 29.5 days, while the length of an average month is roughly 30.5 days. This makes it very unlikely that any given month will contain two Full Moons, though it does sometimes happen. There are seven months in the 19-year lunar cycle that have two Full Moons, so you could say that once in a Blue Moon actually means once every two-and-a-half years. According to an older definition, a Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. But why 'blue' - the moon doesn't actually change colour. Not many of the explanations I have read are very convincing, but one it might orginate from someone saying 'that won't happen until the Moon turns blue', the meaning changing over time from never to rarely. The Moon does look blue sometimes due to rare events such as volcanic eruptions, but obviously these don't coincide with 'Blue Moons'. Also see: Blue Moon Calculator The Moon and Its Phases Upcoming & Recent Eclipses of the Sun and Moon Science and Technology Messageboard Lunar Book List     2. My Dear Lady Moonbeam From Cathie McCarthy Hi Mike, thank you so much for your quick response, your information was so helpful, I enjoy watching the Lady moon, now I will be able to enjoy the blue moons even more so, I wrote a poem last year... My dear Lady moonbeam You throw my mind, weekly As you shine down on me Ruling the worldwide tides My emotions go this way Then you take them back! You must be a Taurus Who thrives on ruling others? Or a Cancerian, who quiet at times For three days of the month You always hide! Possibly Pisces, who plays yet thinks Gemini, do you have a twin? Leo, dominant and bright Scorpio, kicking the world goodnight Virgo, doing everything just so! Oh Lady moon I just don’t know Maybe you are all the signs Wrapped up in one? Maybe a Libran, trying for balance Aquarius, you so like change Showing the many changes of dress! Oh! Lady moon, you do impress Maybe you’re Capricorn? So full of grace Possibly Aries, challenging a chase Or Sagittarius, enjoying the race! Oh Lady moon, no matter which Your presence is engaging Whatever the phrase! Cathie McCarthy. 12/8/03

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