Look to the stars tonight to witness the second full moon in a calendar month, also known as a blue moon. During most years, the Earth experiences 12 full moons – about one per month but this year we’re getting an ‘extra’ lunar display.
The blue moon is rising, as the song goes and is headed for a full phase at 8.43 pm over Australia and 10.43pm for New Zealand.
Over time the expression once in a blue moon has changed. These days we use it to mean every now and again, but in days gone by saying the moon was blue indicated something absurd was afoot. The phrase until a blue moon developed in the 19th century, and meant a very firm “never” in response to a question.
If you’re a keen photographer and happen to capture an amazing view of the Blue Moon tonight, we’d love to see it. Please tag us on Twitter or Instagram.
