Depending on whether we're listening to astronomers or folklore, a blue moon is the third of four full moons within one season, or it can be the second full moon within one calendar month. We had a full moon on August 1 and now again on August 31, fulfilling the latter definition of a blue moon.
We're told that this event has nothing to do with the colour blue. The moon shows its usual silvery or yellow face while shining down upon us. Only in very rare circumstances would dust particles allow its surface to appear blue, but of course, that can happen at any time and not necessarily when the moon is full. So a blue moon is generally not at all blue.
Except for this one.
I took my camera out to see what I could photograph, and caught sight of the blue moon rather early in the day - before darkness had fallen.
There was no denying that its hue was blue. Not a vague misty blue but a deep, rich, cyan sort of blue. I couldn't believe my eyes. I raised the camera, aimed carefully, focused and shot image after image of a brilliant blue moon.
When an event like this presents itself, it's like magic. It was all I could do to keep my hands from shaking so that I could capture the image of the vibrant, blue moon before me.
I have posted the sharpest photo of the bunch below. I promise you - this is practically straight out of the camera and has not been altered colour-wise. It was simply cropped and sharpened slightly.
I hope you enjoy my photo of the blue moon.
Okay, so I'm messing with you. I told the truth above but what I didn't share was that this discarded stuffed toy was seen at the bottom of the dam at my local pond about a week ago. With it's bum up in the air, I could not resist posting it as a representative of yesterday's blue moon.
My real image of yesterday's event appears below.
Rest in peace, Neil Armstrong. You were the first to set foot on this beautiful orb. I do believe this blue moon is for you.
48 comments:
I was looking forward to a photo of a genuine Blue Moon! Curse you Hilary!
You are only forgiven because of your tribute to an American Hero!
Blue Moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue Moon
You know just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked to the Moon it turned to gold
Blue Moon
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked the Moon had turned to gold
Blue moon
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue moon
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Ha ha ha ha! Good one. :-)
Very cheeky of you. Blue cheeks.
Thanks for the laugh.
I remember that muppet-bum. :)
And a tip of the toque to Mr. Armstrong, who presented me with one of the most thrilling moments of my life.
Ha!! I wasn't expecting that one...good one!!
Hugs
SueAnn
You had me going. As I sit here early in the morning unable to sleep I am enthralled by the moon lighting the entire yard. It is gorgeous.
Great post Hilary lol
Hilary! You crack me up. Blue moon, indeed!
Very good! I still remember the moon landing well.
wow that moon is huge and gorgeous...the stuffed animal is a little sad someone is missing her...
What an absolutely delightful post, Hilary. I believe this moon was for him, too ~
I have enjoyed this full moon more than many a recent moon. I don't know why. You got a great shot of it . . . so clear!
You little dickens, you. You really had me going. I had seen the moon last night, and it wasn't blue here. But, as I was reading your post, I thought just maybe...
Still, you did capture a lovely image of the white blue moon.
excellent photo. All I get when I try to photograph it is a big round light.
wonderful, wonderful! :)
Great turn of phrase in the first paragraph!
Lots of folklore on this topic.
Lots of good tunes about the moon.
Me ? I just go out and howl!
I did hear that we had a *blue moon* the other day , though I didn't see it.
I expect someone is missing that blue stuffed toy. Maybe Bennie would have liked it?
Maggie X
Nuts in May
I had to go to work early yesterday and across the field I saw that huge beautiful blue moon..My camera wouldn't be able to capture it like yours..thanks! I had a nice giggle at the first blue moon you showed us! A blue moon is a nice tribute to the wonderful Neil Armstrong.
Haha! You're funny. You fooled me with the first pic.
But oh that second pic. What a fabulous shot. And I love the last line too. :)
When an opportunity like that first blue moon presents itself...how can one pass it by.
And as I stared up at the actual blue moon last night I had the same thought....RIP
That's a melon of a moon, Hilary!
That poor stuffed baby. :(
I think Google ate my last comment.
Very Funny! It was worth fighting with my computer to see that picture (Ol' Bessie was being particularly uncooperative this morning).
Wow! You got the blue moon! :)
So right to say it is for Neil Armstrong!
It is blue, or is it because I'm having a hangover, lol.
Hilarious take on the blue moon!
Cheeky! I fell for it.
But the picture of the real moon is splendid. i can see the man in the moon waving at us down here.
You had me going there! ROFL!!
It was cloudy here so I didn't get to see it, so thank you, sweet lady!! :)
Oh, you mean woman! I fell hook line & sinker...and laughed out loud. Nobody puns better than you.
The real blue moon is awesome; I believe Mr. Armstrong is pleased.
Spectacular, Hillary! Wow. The other blue moon has me laughing.... I think I won't wear my blue shorts tomorrow. The moon shot and the tribute to Mr. Armstrong are exquisite.
I found your post through Kate's wonderful blog. Too funny, and I think you are right...this moon is for Neil!
Kat
I was beginning to wonder how it was that you got to see such a blue moon and all I saw was a normal one! Good one and good post!
Nice photo. I saw it, even through a telescope, but didn't get around to shooting it.
A gorgeous blue moon!
LOL, nice one!
A fantastic shot! I love full moons, no matter what season, blue or not. When we saw it rise the other night, the atmosphere provided enough particulates to give it a peachy hue. Beautiful.
Bwahhh, haha...
Hilary you are delightful!
i had been planning to try to photograph the blue moon all month and then it got away from me. you sure got a lovely shot though.
I like both "blue moons" pictures; really great shot of the one in the sky. Alway interesting to know where these expressions come from. Thnaks,
I unfortunately missed this, so it is so nice to see it here. What a gorgeous image, and I just love the first one too! :-)
Haha, you are so funny. Beautiful shot of the moon. Hope you had a great weekend!
Ah, you had me going! I was getting so jealous! I should have known...
Fabulous photo of the moon, though, and I also believe it was for Neil. We had clouds but the moon peeked through for me. I'll post photos soon.
Darn good pic even if it isn't blue!
Had me going, too. :)
I like your Frankie Valli season. lol
I don't recall ever hearing an explanation of the Blue Moon...thanks. You learn something new every day, as "they" say. :)
You are a very naughty blogger! LOL
I was walking on the beach, barefoot in the cool sand, underneath that blue moon... the real one, not the blue bottoms up one. ;)
I did remember the Armstrong family request and winked at the moon in memory of Neil.
Wow, I totally fell for that what with your "shaking hands" lol Good one, Hil.
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