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By the Light of the Boulder Blue Moon: A BRIGHT Silvery Treat!

The Boulder Eastern sky conveniently cleared up for the very special moon rise tonight.

The Blue Moon shined obviously brighter (about 30% brighter) than a “normal” full moon.

Tonight’s moon is known by multiple names, including “Blue Moon,” “Sturgeon Moon,” and “Supermoon,” each reflecting different cultural and astronomical perspectives:

1. Blue Moon: Traditionally, a “blue moon” refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month, which is a rare occurrence. The phrase “once in a blue moon” reflects its infrequency. The blue moon doesn’t appear blue in color; the term is more about its rarity on the calendar.

2. Sturgeon Moon: The full moon in August is often called the “Sturgeon Moon.” This name comes from Native American tribes, particularly those around the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. They named it this because sturgeon, a large fish and the source of caviar, were most readily caught during this time of the year.

3. Supermoon: A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon. The term “supermoon” is more modern and was popularized by astrologers but has since been adopted widely.

Tonight’s full moon is a convergence of these phenomena, making it a notable and special event in the lunar calendar.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

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