Astronomy Tidbits – Year of Weird Moons

Once in two blue moons . . .
Lynn Kelley, Grammy Gets It - Year of the Weird Moons
We are in a weird year. Usually we have one full moon each month. Not this year!

In January we had two full moons: a full moon on January 1 and a full super blue blood moon on January 31st.

  • Super: Largest at rising due to nearest to earth.
  • Blue: Second full moon of the month.
  • Blood: There was an eclipse seen in the eastern USA, which turned the full moon red.

Did you see it? Lucky you if you did. I missed it, but no worries. I found a video on YouTube:

In February we had no full moons at all, known as a no-moon month.

Now it is March and on the 1st we had a full moon, and at the end of the month we will have another blue moon, second full moon of the month on March 31st.

According to EarthSky.com, “We haven’t had a year with two Blue Moons since 1999 and won’t have one again until January and March, 2037.”

According to Farmers’ Almanac, A “No-Moon” month happens about once every 19 years.

Does this Year of Weird Moons worry you? Let’s see what an expert says.

I contacted the moon’s therapist and asked, “Why is the moon acting so weird lately?”

His response: “It’s just a phase.”

Sorry, couldn’t help it. 🙂

Many people wonder if a blue moon is actually blue. The answer is no, the second full moon in a month is not blue. It’s called a blue moon because it doesn’t happen often and it comes from the saying, “Once in a blue moon.”

Lynn Kelley, Grammy Gets It - Year of Weird Moons

Atmospheric conditions can make the moon look blue at times. According to Space.com, a volcanic eruption and “other events such as forest fires and dust storms can cause the moon to turn blue.”

What are your thoughts? Are you a moon-and-star gazer? Did you see the full super blue blood moon on January 31st? Did you see the full moon in February (Warning: trick question)? Would you get up in the middle of the night to see a rare astronomical occurrence, or do you value your sleep more?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. To receive future posts, add your email info in the “Subscribe” window in the sidebar.

Images: Pixabay – KBOutdoors, Myriams-Fotos

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6 Responses to Astronomy Tidbits – Year of Weird Moons

  1. I like my sleep.
    I missed the one in January. I think it was cloudy anyway. Maybe it will be clear for the one at the end of this month.

  2. Pambelina says:

    Very interesting information! I was not aware of the moon’s activity much, but perhaps now I will start paying more attention. Thanks for these fun tidbits! 🙂

  3. I totally loved this post Lynn! Yes, it seems like we’ve had plenty of full, blue and blood moons. They’re so beautiful, yes? I especially found the background of the blue moon the most interesting. I had no idea of the background. Although it brought to mind this song. do you remember it? 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fy1HeJv80

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Karen. It’s interesting, for sure, to learn about the background info. The song is such a treat! I remember it and I love it, but I didn’t remember who sang it. Thanks so much!

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