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Stargazing fans in Lancashire will get a surprise this Halloween with a rare blue moon appearing.
The phenomenon will appear this Saturday (October 31) and you will not want to miss it because it will not repeat itself at least until August 2023.
As Lancashire is under level 3 lockdown measures, this year’s Halloween celebrations are bound to be a very different affair with traditional activities like trick or treating and off-the-card parties.
However, the timely lunar event could offer something special for both families and stargazing enthusiasts this weekend.
Contrary to popular belief, a blue moon has nothing to do with the color of the moon.
Instead, it has everything to do with the timing of the full moons throughout the year.
NASA explained: “According to modern folklore, a Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. Usually the months have only one full moon, but occasionally a second creeps in.
“Full moons are separated by 29 days, while most months last 30 or 31 days; so it is possible to insert two full moons in a single month. This happens on average every two and a half years.”
It will be visible from most areas of the world, including North and South America, Africa, all of Europe and much of Asia.
Thankfully, the blue moon will be visible all evening from the UK and no special equipment is needed to see it.
Speaking with CNET, astronomy teacher Jeffrey Hunt said, “Go out and take a look.”
However, taking a photo of the blue moon isn’t as easy as you might expect.
Mr. Hunt added: “When photographing the moon with a smartphone the results can be disappointing. A telephoto lens will help you magnify the moon. “
If you miss the blue Halloween moon, sadly you have to wait a while until the next one.
The next blue moons are expected to appear on August 31, 2023, May 31, 2026, and December 31, 2028.
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