Once in a blue moon

Today, Friday July 31, 2015, we will experience a blue moon. The blue moon occurs approximately every 2.5 years. It happens when there is a second full moon in the same month – when the first full moon occurs early in the month and the second full moon occurs late in the month, 30 days later. Therefore it occurs only in months with 31 days (and usually July, August or December). July’s first full moon appeared on July 2.

For example, there was a blue moon on December 31, 2009, and August 31, 2012. So 'once in a blue moon' is actually not so rare.

The expression ‘once in a blue moon’ is used colloquially to mean ‘not very often’ or ‘rarely.’ The moon does not turn blue, although sometimes it appears to change colour due to dust particles in the atmosphere. Nor does it signify blue for unhappiness.

Some people believe that when there are two full moons in once calendar month, the second one – the blue moon – brings surprises and occurrences that emerge suddenly – out of the blue!

May your blue moon be a happy blue moon.

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