Blue Moon this weekend: What makes this one different
CINCINNATI (WKRC/WKEF) - A Blue Moon will illuminate the night sky this weekend, but this one is, by definition, different than the last one we had on Halloween 2020.
Spoiler alert -- the moon still won't appear blue.
A Blue Moon actually has a couple of definitions. The most used is the second full moon to occur during a single month. But, the Blue Moon this weekend will be a seasonal one.
What is a seasonal Blue Moon?
During each season, typically we see three full moons, but every now and then we have four. The third full moon of the four is a seasonal Blue Moon. The full moon this weekend will be the third of four.
Here are all of the full moons from 2021 and their names:
- Jan. 28 - Wolf Moon
- Feb. 27 - Snow Moon
- Mar. 28 - Worm Moon
- Apr. 26 - Pink Moon
- May 26 - Flower Moon
- June 24 - Strawberry Moon
- July 23 - Buck Moon
- Aug. 22 - Sturgeon Moon
- Sept. 20 - Corn Moon
- Oct. 20 - Harvest Moon
- Nov. 19 - Beaver Moon
- Dec. 18 - Cold Moon
This full moon is also called the Sturgeon Moon, named for the giant sturgeon that are most easily caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain this time of the year.
When can you see it?
The moon will officially become full on Sunday, August 22 at 8:02 a.m., but will appear full both Saturday and Sunday nights. Other than a few clouds around, visibility should be okay to check out the moon this weekend.
The next seasonal Blue Moon won't be until August 19, 2024, so be sure to capture a picture of it. You can send your photos via ChimeIn.
