Once in a Blue Moon

Once (or twice) in a Blue Moon:  What's that all about?  Well, according to Bob at the Farmer's Almanac, here's the scoop:


On Wednesday night (tonight), we see the year's lowest full moon. (If the weather cooperates, that is)
         
At its highest at 1 AM, it won't even get one-third of the way up the sky, from typical U.S. locations. It's much lower than that as seen in Canada or Europe. Low moons look more orange, thanks to the thick air near the horizon. Some have even suggested that its amber color is the origin of the term, "Honey Moon."

It's the first of TWO full Moons in the month of July, 2015.
But is this week's moon also a Blue Moon? 

The term Blue Moon, as it applies to astronomy, was actually the result of a misunderstanding in a 1940s magazine. But it slowly went viral until nowadays the second full moon in the same calendar month is widely called a blue moon. The full moon on July 31 ( Lee's 65th birthday) will qualify, according to this popular definition.

The expression suggests great rarity. In reality, since the Moon's period of phases is 29 1/2 days while months usually have 30 or 31 days, it's obvious that if a full Moon lands on the first day of any month except February it will repeat again at the end.

Turns out, blue moons happen every 30 months on average. Two and a half years. 

Not so very rare.

Once in a blue Moon? Stick around. It'll happen four weeks from now. Meantime, enjoy this one, whose color will likely be the exact opposite of blue.

So, if you only do things, "Once in a blue moon," looks like you're doing it tonight and maybe again July 31st.  I think it's perfect for Lee.  He begins Medicare today and turns 65 on the 31st.