The term "blue moon" now commonly describes a full
moon occurring twice in the same month. This happens every few years, when the date for a full moon falls near the beginning of a calendar month so that the next full moon comes
before the end of that month.
But but it didn't always mean that. The term is at least 400 years old, and originally meant the third full moon when there are four full moons in a season, calculated by a formula related to the solstices and equinoxes.
The idea that a Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month was erroneously introduced into popular culture by a mistake in a 1946 Sky & Telescope article, and has become so widespread that probably the astronomers will never be able to make us think otherwise.
But but it didn't always mean that. The term is at least 400 years old, and originally meant the third full moon when there are four full moons in a season, calculated by a formula related to the solstices and equinoxes.
The idea that a Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month was erroneously introduced into popular culture by a mistake in a 1946 Sky & Telescope article, and has become so widespread that probably the astronomers will never be able to make us think otherwise.
The expression “once in a blue moon,” is also used to connote something that is obviously absurd, because it is likely to happen rarely, if ever!
Check out the vocal virtuosity in this doo-wop treatment of the classic tune:
Go with the Flow ~
it beats swimming against the tide
