Can the moon really turn blue? Research the term blue moon. Give two definitions for the term ?
thank you
2007-04-09 04:05:03 · 3 answers · asked by simi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
There are two accepted definitions of a "blue moon". The more popular is the second full moon in a calendar month. The other definition comes from medieval times and it is the fourth full moon in a calendar quarter (i.e.three months duration). Either way they are fairly rare and occur every 2-3 years, I believe. I read an article about them in Sky and Telescope magazine from several years back. Perhaps you should try and search their website. In either case the moon does not actually turn blue, if that was what you were wondering. It is just an expression.
2007-04-09 04:13:34 · answer #1 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The true color of the moon is a coppery-tan. Check out some of the photos taken by astronauts. It takes on its color that we see from light diffraction and refraction in our atmosphere...the same reason the sky is appears blue. If atmospheric conditions are correct, the moon, like the sky, can appear bluer than normal.
2007-04-09 04:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by Bruce D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look here: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2004/07jul_bluemoon.htm
2007-04-09 04:07:26 · answer #3 · answered by SPB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋