It's a blue moon

[fruitcake]

our neighbours were able to see their way home by moon and snowlight without the aid of a torch (no street lighting here) at 2.30am. It was really bright.

Likewise when we made our way home from the village hall at 2.30am this morning - absolutely stunning, the loch was so still, the icing sugar on the hills, glistening, it was really bright - no torches needed - in fact it was much lighter than it had been when we set out for the evening about 8.30pm. You could just see that a wee corner slither of the moon was missing too...

Fabulous start to the year,

HNY to you all

[snapdragon]

She was absolutely beautiful, and the cloud had cleared just after one o'clock so I could see her as I went to bed - would have gone out with the camera but next doors were having a barbeque party in the back yard

[countrygirl]

OK I'll ask..... so what's a blue moon then? Doesn't look blue in the photos!

A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month,

Well you learn something new everyday! Im just dissapointed i missed it. Lovely to see the pictures though.

[KathyLauren]

Thanks Rosie, I hadn't heard of it before other than the saying 'once in a blue moon'.

The saying predates the modern definition of blue moon.

The saying comes from an actual blue moon, which can occur after there has been a significant volcanic eruption somewhere. Volcanic dust in the upper atmosphere causes the moon to look blue. This is an extremely rare event (maybe once per century if you're lucky), hence the saying.

The modern definition (apparently it originated in 1946) is the second full moon in a month. This is not a particularly rare event, happening every two or three years. It appeals to folks who like an uncommon-ish event but don't have the patience to wait for a truly rare one.

[Millymollymandy]

Great, thanks for the info Keith. I've already learnt about harvest moons on this forum and now I know about blue moons too. Good stuff!

Oh and I can see 'that' moon now too, couldn't before - and I can see there's a hard white frost out there. The cold weather's back.

[Rosendula]

Thanks Keith. I didn't know that

[indy]

I didn't know it was a blue moon but when I went outside it was amazing, I went in to get my camera but it wouldn't work so was very pleased to see those lovely photos