The Secret Behind the "Blue" Moon

We've all heard the phrase "Once in a blue moon" but hardly anyone understands what this means. Here's an explanation of the famous blue moon straight to the point:

• Normally there are 12 full moons in a year, when there are 13 one is called a blue moon.
• There are 7 blue moons in a lunar cycle of 19 years.
• Normally there are 3 full moons in a season, when there are 4 one is called a blue moon.
• The third full moon in a season is referred to as a blue moon.
• When there are 4 full moons in a season they are referred to as: 

1. moon
2. Mid moon
3. Blue moon
4. Late moon

• Unlike the general assumption that the second full moon in a month is a blue moon, it is actually the third full moon in a season.

I'm sure now is when you're saying, "Wait!" This weekend is a blue moon and the next full moon is on December 21; however, the winter solstice occurs fifteen hours after the moon turns full classifying it as a late fall moon.

So there you have it. Blue moon explained and now we can understand the phrase "Once in a blue moon" slightly more than the rest of the non-knowers around us.

Have a great weekend moon gazing!