Blue Moon 2018 Date: Know When to Watch Second Rare Lunar Phenomenon of the Year in March
Skygazers will once again get the chance too an incredible moon adorning the skies this year.
Space enthusiasts will be able to see the incredible blue moon for the second time this year. This blue moon will occur on March 31. The rare phenomenon had occurred on January 31 making the moon appear larger and brighter. Skygazers will once again get the chance too an incredible moon adorning the skies this year. February did not have a full moon, an occurrence that hasn't happened since 1999 and won't happen again until 2037. But moon lovers, don't worry, the end of March is going to be treat for you!
The March-end blue comes after March's first full moon, the Worm moon that appeared in the sky on March 2. Also known as Sap Moon, it was named March's Worm Moon by Native Americans as it would mark the time of the year when temperatures would rise and earthworms become active. Traditionally when two full moons appear in the same month, the second full moon is referred to as blue moon. Despite the name, the moon doesn't turn blue in colour. However, it can look blue due to the way the light reflects dust particles blown into the atmosphere by a volcanic eruption.
When and Where to Watch the Blue Moon
Viewers in the United Kingdom can expect the moon to be at its fullest at 1.37pm GMT on March 31. Using telescope or binoculars will give you a better viewing experience. Blue Moon is not as same as Super Moon and the moon looks light bluish in colour. While Super Moon is when the moon appears 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than usual. Blood Moon occurs when the earth passes between the moon and the sun causing a total lunar eclipse.
Blue moon usually occurs once every two or three years, and two blue moons happen only three to five times in a century. The next time a year will have two months with two full moons will be in 2037, and the last time was in 1999. If weather conditions are clear, the full moon can be seen clearly with the naked eye.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 08, 2018 07:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).