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The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

The Student News Site of Central Oregon Community College

The Broadside

A ‘once in a Blue Moon’ occurrence this Halloween

Photo+by+Mike+Petrucci+on+Unsplash
Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

McKenzie Leary/The Broadside

We’ve all heard the saying “once in a Blue Moon,” and just like the saying, what’s happening in the sky this Halloween is a rare occurrence. Oct. 31 will be the first time a Blue Moon has appeared on Halloween since 1944.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Blue Moons are scarce because they “only come every two or three years.” They go on to say the last Blue Moon happened two years ago on March 31.

These moons are also referred to as a Hunter’s Moon because of how they light up the sky. Historically, the light from the moon allowed hunters to seek out meat for the winter ahead. According to Farmers Almanac, this moon is also “accorded with special honor as an important day of feast among both Native American tribes and in western Europe.”

There is a lot of speculation about why it’s called the Blue Moon. From folklore to misinformation, there is a lot of false information that spread online. However, it’s not because it will look any different than it usually does. Chances are when you look up this Halloween, the moon will not be blue. Seeing a blue-tinted moon is rarer than a Blue Moon occurring, yet not impossible. According to NASA, there was an Indonesian volcano named Krakatoa, which erupted in 1883. The ash particles in the atmosphere led to the moon appearing blue.

A Blue Moon is different from a typical full moon because it is the second full moon of the month. The first moon of October happened on the first. The Blue Moon this Halloween will be visible across the entire United States.

On top of this fascinating sight in the skies on Halloween, Daylight Savings will end on November 1. For the night owls, you’ll have an extra hour of fun (or sleep).

Regardless of whether you will be going out and trick-or-treating under the light of the moon or staying home for Halloween this year, be sure to look out the window and take appreciation for the moon because this won’t be happening again until 2039.

 

 

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