WeatherWeather Science

Actions

Rare Halloween blue moon will light up the night sky

Full Moon
Posted at 1:46 PM, Oct 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-30 19:02:05-04

This year on Halloween night, the sky will be aglow with moonlight from a rare full blue moon.

If you picked a werewolf as your costume this year, you're in luck.

Remember, daylight saving time ends on Halloween as well. The time change and bright moonlight may leave you wanting a nap on Sunday.

What is a blue moon?

According to NASA, a blue moon is the second full moon in any given calendar month. The actual hue of the moon will not appear bluer. Blue moons happen every one to two and a half years, coining the term "once in a blue moon".

In fact, all Halloween full moons are blue moons, because the moon phase is about 29.5 days and there are 31 days in October.

How rare is a full moon on Halloween?

NASA says a Halloween full moon happens once every 19 years. The next will be in 2039.

When is moonrise and set on the 31st?

In mountain time, expect moonrise at about 6:20 pm and moonset around 7:30 am.