The Blue Moon

I just read that "Once in a blue moon" is happening this New Years Eve.

The term "blue moon" refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, something that hasn't happened on a New Year's Eve for nearly 20 years, NASA says.

(from CNN)The last blue moon on New Years Eve was in 1990.

There is also to be a partial lunar eclipse but it won´t be able to be seen in the Western Hemisphere. Too bad for us on this side of the Earth.

So while your partying in the New Year look up to the skies. Listen for those wolves (or humans trying to be wild animals) howling at the moon. Also say a little prayer and thank the Creator for the beauty around us.

Happy New Year to all.

There will also be a short meteor shower on January 4 called

The Quadrantids

The peak will happen mainly during the daylight hours of the 3rd but you should still be able to see the meteors in the evening in the Northern Hemisphere. Make sure you go out and see what you can see.

Sky and Telescope Magazine
CNN