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Rare ‘blue moon’ to appear on Halloween this year

The year 2020 has brought many surprises and this year’s Halloween is no different. A rare “blue full moon” will be appearing on Halloween night this year.
Jack'O Lantern with full moon
A "blue full moon" will be in the skies on Halloween this year. Photo: Getty Images

The year 2020 has brought many surprises and this year’s Halloween is no different.

A rare “blue full moon” will be appearing on Halloween night this year.

While the moon will not look blue, the term “blue moon” is given when two full moons appear in a single month.

A full moon on Halloween occurs roughly once every 19 years – a pattern known as the Metonic Cycle.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanc, the cycle is uncommon and happens on average every two and a half to three years with the last time two full moons appearing in the same month in 2018.

The next illuminated Halloween full moon, says astronomers, after 2020 will be in the 2039, 2058, 2077 and 2096.