The lunar cycle is 29.5 days. That means it takes nearly a month for the moon to go from full to full again. That’s why, generally, you only get one full moon a month. When a full moon happens twice in a month, that second full moon is known as a blue moon. Apparently, the moon’s a bit sad about the death of Neil Armstrong. On Friday, there will be a blue moon; Friday is also the date of Neil Armstrong’s funeral.
The blue moon is rare enough, but to have it happen on the day the first man to walk on said moon is buried is just a wonderful coincidence. In honor of Armstrong’s memory, the astronaut’s family has suggested that on Friday night, you look up at the full blue moon and give it a wink, since it’s smiling down on Armstrong’s family and friends. That seems like a fitting tribute to me, both for those of us stuck on earth and the moon itself.
The next blue moon will be July 2015, so enjoy this one while it’s here.
Tags: astronomy, blue moon, blue moon on friday, second full moon of the month, blue moon on neil armstrong funeral day, neil armstrong, moon to honor neil armstrong, next blue moon july 2015, last blue moon until 2015, blue moon friday night, lunar cycle, july 2015