But in 1946, amateur astronomer and frequent contributor to Sky & Telescope James Hugh Pruett (1886–1955) incorrectly interpreted the Almanac's description, and the second-full-Moon-in-one-month usage was born.
BLUE MOON SKY AND TELESCOPE FULL
The Almanac consistently used the term to refer to the third full Moon in a season containing four of them (rather than the usual three). Only exceedingly rarely does the Moon actually turn blue in our sky - when volcanic eruptions or forest fires send lots of smoke and fine dust into the atmosphere.Įditors and contributors to Sky & Telescope have traced the traditional astronomical definition to the Maine Farmers’ Almanac in the late 1930s. Historically, the term “Blue Moon” was more often not an astronomical term: In older songs it's used as a symbol of sadness or loneliness, while “once in a blue Moon" means a rare event. “This colorful term is actually a calendrical goof that worked its way into the pages of Sky & Telescope back in March 1946,” explains Diana Hannikainen (pronounced HUHN-ih-KY-nen), Sky & Telescope’s Observing Editor. In modern usage, “Blue Moon” has come to refer to the second full Moon in a month - but that hasn't always been the case. And though it will appear as brilliantly white as usual, many will call it a “Blue Moon.” Note to Editors/Producers: This release is accompanied by high-quality graphics see the end of this release for the images and links to download.Īs twilight descends on All Hallows’ Eve, a full Moon will rise in the eastern sky for the second time this month (the first time was on October 1st). Rick Fienberg, Press Officer, American Astronomical Society Gary Seronik, Consulting Editor, Sky & Telescope Diana Hannikainen, Observing Editor, Sky & Telescope
0 kommentar(er)
