Rare New Year's Eve 'Blue Moon'

[GordMay]

Look for a large round object in the sky that’s, errr, moon-coloured.

A "Blue Moon" is the second full moon in a month*, an event that occurs every two and a half years but tonight’s blue moon is even rarer, occuring every nineteen years.

* A full moon occurred on December 2Nd and will again tonight.

The New Year's Eve Blue Moon will be visible, conditions permitting, in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a Blue Moon month for them.

Because the Earth will be close to its January 2Nd perihelion, and the Moon to it’s January 1St perigee, the Moon will be a little larger and brighter than normal tonight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL !!!

[ROK]

Thanks for sharing. We'll be sure to check it out!

[James S]

Originally Posted by ROK

Thanks for sharing. We'll be sure to check it out!

Ditto...thanks Gord.

[delmarrey]

Got a good look at it on the way to work this morning. Didn't even need the head lights.

[James S]

Just saw it...its almost white its so bright.

[blgklr]

A blue moon is the third moon when a season has 4 moons in it. However most people do consider it to be second moon in one month. This moon is the first moon of the winter season.

[ad_astra]

Fun trivia fact: the "current" definition of a blue moon is actually less than 70 years old, and only entered popular usage in 1980. Prior to 1946, the definition was rather different and more obscure. Each season normally has three full moons. Each of these moons has a name. If there are full four moons in a season, then the extra full moon is referred to as a blue moon.

Our current definition ("second full moon in a month") can be traced to an article in Sky and Telescope magazine from 1946, wherein the author misread the Maine Farmer's almanac. The definition became popular after it was mentioned on the Stardate radio show in 1980. Ironically, the mistaken article from 1946 was discovered by none other than the very same Sky and Telescope magazine, as they were researching an article about the origin of the phrase "blue moon" in 1999.

Wikipedia article

[David M]

Oh boy...stay off the roads tonight.

[GordMay]

Thanks blgklr & ad_astra, I believe you’re right, though (believe it or not) that was before my time.

I will be on the road tonight, going to New Years dinner.
Fortunately, my abstaining, Sargent-Major in the Ontario Provincial Police, son-in-law will be driving.

[Pete7]

Just popped outside, yes its a full and a very bright moon, sadly southern England has a light cloud cover tonight so we aren't getting the full effect. Anyway happy New Year folks.

Pete

[sweetsailing]

Serving "Blue Moon" beer tonight for New Year's Eve to mark the occasion

[Wotname]

And this is the very reason why I am considering renaming my boat "Blue Moon II" as the relaunch was a long time coming (7+ years) and finally occurred during this moon phase.

None of the other 10,000+ plus names I considered over the past few years seem to fit but suddenly as the boat floated off the slip, this name came in from left field and feels about right. I won't go into the reasons for rejecting the previous name but they are (were) significant for me.

Its New Years day here now so Happy New Year to all and a big thanks to every person who posted something in 2009, its the posts that CF what it is.

[clsailor]

To bad there is alot of cloud cover here in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, but I now know it is up there.

May we kick 2009 in the ass and welcome 2010.

[speakeasy]

Originally Posted by Wotname

And this is the very reason why I am considering renaming my boat "Blue Moon II" as the relaunch was a long time coming (7+ years) and finally occurred during this moon phase.

None of the other 10,000+ plus names I considered over the past few years seem to fit but suddenly as the boat floated off the slip, this name came in from left field and feels about right. I won't go into the reasons for rejecting the previous name but they are (were) significant for me.

Its New Years day here now so Happy New Year to all and a big thanks to every person who posted something in 2009, its the posts that CF what it is.

Blue Moon II. "...this name came in from left field and feels about right."

Yes, I like it! I've gone thru and lost more 'boat name' files as old computers died, than I care to remember. I retain a few names over the years but, always sorta thought that the right name would suggest itself at the right time, after I met the right boat. Congratulations on the SPLASHING of your boat and Happy New Year! Jon

btw, I was wondering. Was the last blue moon on Dec. 31st 365 years ago? I missed astronomy and physics classes and always felt poorer for it.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by speakeasy

Blue Moon II. "...this name came in from left field and feels about right."

Yes, I like it! I've gone thru and lost more 'boat name' files as old computers died, than I care to remember. I retain a few names over the years but, always sorta thought that the right name would suggest itself at the right time, after I met the right boat. Congratulations on the SPLASHING of your boat and Happy New Year! Jon

btw, I was wondering. Was the last blue moon on Dec. 31st 365 years ago? I missed astronomy and physics classes and always felt poorer for it.

Thanks SE