'Once in a Blue Moon' Apropos Tonight

Just as the moon isn’t made of cheese, it isn’t really blue either, but today, Friday, the phrase, "once in a blue moon" will apply. August will end with the second full moon of the month.

The month started with a full moon on Aug. 1.

Modern folklore has dubbed when there are two full moons in a month, the second one is called a blue moon, according to the science website EarthSky.org.

Two full moons in a month typically occurs every 2.7 years, according to the Huffington Post. The last blue moon was on Dec. 31, 2009. The next blue moon isn’t expected until July 2015.

The moon may be doubly blue today, Friday because the funeral service for Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, will be held, according to Politico. Armstrong died Aug. 25 at the age of 82. A private service is planned for Armstrong in Cincinnati, Politico reported.

The National Weather Service says Friday will be hot, with temperatures topping out at 94 degrees in Lisle. A slight chance of storms is possible, but those are likely after 1 a.m., so the sky should be clear for blue moon viewing. 

Best Time to See the Blue Moon

The moon will be at its fullest at 8:58 a.m. CST, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

Other Blue Moon References

The phrase "once in a blue moon" dates back to medieval England and can be found in text dating back to 1528. At that time it mean something was impossibile.

Beer drinkers know Blue Moon, a Belgian-style wheat ale, is best served with an orange. 

There was a musical called the "Blue Moon," which was set in India during the British rule of the continent. 

"Blue moon. You saw me standing alone. Without a dream in my heart. Without a love of my own." "Blue Moon" was written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart. The song has been covered over the years by Mel Tormé, Elvis Presley, the Marcels and others. Watch a YouTube clip of various versions of the song. 

Written by Mary Ann Lopez and Mellissa Sersland

-----------

To keep up with Lisle news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter.

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take.