A Blue supermoon in the sign of Aquarius is set to peak on August 19th, 2024 at 2:26 p.m. ET. But what exactly is a Blue Moon, how often does it occur, and when can we expect to see one again? Blue Moons can fall into two different categories – monthly Blue Moons, which occur when two full moons fall in a single month, and seasonal Blue Moons, which are defined as the third of four full moons in a season.
Blue Moons are not as rare as one might think, occurring approximately every two to three years. Due to the moon’s cycle of 29.5 days, February will never host a calendrical Blue Moon since it only has 28 days on average. Blue Moons are not actually blue in color, but under certain atmospheric conditions caused by events such as volcanic eruptions or forest fires, the moon can appear blue-green.
The August Blue Moon set to appear on August 17th is a seasonal Blue Moon, the third of four full moons to rise between the summer solstice and fall equinox. The next Blue Moon is not expected until May 31, 2026, when it will rise in the sign of Sagittarius. The term “blue moon” has an interesting history, with origins in a 16th-century critique on religious beliefs that have shifted the term’s meaning over time to represent rarity and the unusual.
Astrologer Reda Wigle provides insights into how the Blue Moon can affect each zodiac sign, along with the other planetary configurations. Her unique horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience to provide a comprehensive guide to the stars. Blue Moons have a long history and a fascinating connection to various cultural beliefs and traditions, making them a unique and intriguing astronomical event to observe.
