The month of August is special. Nearing the end of the summer season many people tend to vacation, enjoying some extra time off traveling or at the beach creating memories with loved ones. Something unique to look out for this August is the Blue Moon!
“Once in a Blue Moon” will happen this month. Who knows what other possibilities that will open up for us?!
This August there will be 2 full moons. One on August 1st and the second on August 30th-31st and both are super moons! According to the Farmers Almanac, this is going to be the brightest moon of the year.
How rare are Blue Moons?
It takes the moon about 29.5 days to complete its cycle of phases from new to full, and every month has 30 or 31 days except for February, which has 28 in most years and 29 in leap years.
Based on that, it takes the moon on average about 30 months — or 2.5 years — to appear full twice in one month, according to NASA. The last blue moon was a Halloween full moon on October 31, 2020. After the Aug. 31 blue moon, the next one will take place on May 31, 2026.
Does the Moon actually turn Blue?
Yes! But this is a very rare event, in fact, you could say it happens “once in a Blue Moon”.
According to NASA in 1883 an Indonesian volcano called Krakatoa erupted and spread ash as high as 50 miles (80 kilometers) into the atmosphere. The tiny ash particles — about one micron in size — acted as a filter, scattering red light and turning the moon a distinct blue-green hue.
Many people use the energy of a full moon in their health and wellness practices. A healthy meal and journaling to close out the old and embrace the new followed by a moonlight walk on the beach may help you feel more grounded and relaxed.
