Blue Moon

“New Year’s Eve this year coincides with the second full moon of December–otherwise known as a “Blue Moon”–and the Internet’s a-flutter with odd trivia and tidbits. From folklore and calculations to feng shui advice, this event has inspired equal parts scientific and astrological reflections. (Adding to the fun is a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible in some areas of the globe.) Grab an early glass of champagne–here’s what you need to know practically, academically, and spiritually for the event that will help you ring in the New Year. Teddy Patridge at Firedoglake explains that a Blue Moon is ‘the second full moon in a calendar month,’ although it used to refer to ‘when a fourth full moon appeared in any season.’ This next one will be ‘the first time in 19 years [that] the Blue Moon will appear on December 31st, New Year’s Eve.’”