2007-05-06 11:55:14 · 7 answers · asked by citabria44 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The term Blue Moon has at least four related meanings. One is a common metaphorical phrase for a rare event that really has little to do with the moon itself. Another is a description of the apparent color of the moon, which is frequently yellowish and rarely bluish. Full moons are given names in folklore, and two definitions of blue moon are a name for a rare full moon that does not have a folk name. One modern blue moon definition is for a second, extra full moon that occurs in a calendar month. The older definition of blue moon is for an extra full moon that occurs in a quarter of the year, which would normally have three full moons, but sometimes has four. Oddly, it is the third full moon in a season that has four which is counted as the "extra" full moon and named blue moon. According to certain folklore, it is said that when there is a blue moon, the moon has a face and talks to the items in its moonlight.
Click below for more details.
2007-05-06 11:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Plain and simple. It is when two full moons occur in the same month. Happens once every few years. Where the term actually derived from is a mystery, but due to the rare occurrence, people will use the phrase "Once in a Blue Moon" to symbolize a rare event.
2007-05-06 17:30:52 · answer #2 · answered by puska777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month.
2007-05-07 00:04:13 · answer #3 · answered by david37863 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The third full moon in a three-month calendrical season that has four full moons.
The second of two full moons occurring in the same month.
2007-05-06 12:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by arun o 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone else listens to NPR on a Sunday morning!
HTH
Charles
2007-05-06 14:15:27 · answer #5 · answered by Charles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
=]
pagan?
or do you just know as well, I hadn't even found out until I was about 12 =/
2007-05-06 11:58:35 · answer #6 · answered by jess 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I do know.
2007-05-06 14:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋