Rare Blue Moon to Arrive in Sky Friday Night

There’s a “blue moon” in the local Friday night forecast, but those expecting the moon to turn color might be disappointed.

A blue moon is actually when a full moon occurs twice in a month, something that only happens about once every two or three years, according to WTOP.

A complete moon cycle — from a new moon all the way out to a full moon and back to a new moon once again — usually takes about 29 days, meaning the calendar has to line up just right for one month to include two full moons.

And if you ever wondered where the phrase “once in a blue moon” comes from, now you know.

Unfortunately, the phrase does not mean the moon will actually turn blue. Still, it’s a rare celestial phenomenon to experience two full moons in the same calendar month, and rangers at Shenandoah National Park are hoping to capitalize on the experience.

The Rangers will lead a hike to the park’s highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, to watch the blue moon rise. The hike will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, according to WTOP, and will last approximately two and a half hours.

Patch file photo