Stargazers are in for it this weekend, a Full ‘Blue Moon’ and the opposition of Mars; one will take place on Saturday and the other on Sunday. May’s Full Moon goes by several names, including the Full Flower Moon, the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. But this year, it will also go by the title of a Blue Moon.
Normally, there are only three full moons in each season, but occasionally there is a season with four full moons. When this happens, like how it is this spring, the third of the four full moons earns the name of a Blue Moon.
The very next day, Mars will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun. At this time, Mars will be bright.
Ritual Calendar places this weekend under advisory; with the 21st being the date in question. Full Moons are especially used in rituals, and given that this weekend is a ‘Blue Moon’.
Blue Moon
May’s Full Moon goes by several names, including the Full Flower Moon, the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon. But this year, it will also go by the title of a Blue Moon.
A Blue Moon typically occurs once every few years (hence the term ‘once in a Blue Moon’) and is commonly the name of the second full moon in a calendar month. However, this weekend’s Blue Moon gained its name a different way.
Normally, there are only three full moons in each season, but occasionally there is a season with four full moons. When this happens, like how it is this spring, the third of the four full moons earns the name of a Blue Moon.
Mars Opposition
One day after the full moon, Mars will reach opposition, meaning that that Earth will be passing directly between Mars and the sun.
When this happens, Mars will to be extremely bright, making it a great time for astronomers to observe the planet.
According to EarthSky, by the time Mars reaches opposition, it will have quadrupled in brightness since the beginning of April. Additionally, it will shine nearly 80 times brighter than it does when the planet is at its faintest.
Even if clouds block your view of Mars on Sunday night, it should remain bright for several weeks before it slowly and steadily becomes faint.
