A Spectacular Sight, Once in a Blue Moon

In a delight for skywatchers, the second full moon for the month of July made its appearance on the 31st. The rare phenomenon - the sighting of a second full moon - is referred to as Blue Moon.

The first full moon of the month had appeared on July 2. Usually, in a calendar year, only one full moon is visible every month.

  • A picture taken on July 31, 2015 in Madrid, shows a full "blue moon" shining in the sky. The moon was full on July 2, and also on July 31.(AFP)
    A picture taken on July 31, 2015 in Madrid, shows a full "blue moon" shining in the sky. The moon was full on July 2, and also on July 31.(AFP)
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  • The blue moon is seen above Washington on July 31, 2015. The next blue moon will not be seen until January 2018.(AFP)
    The blue moon is seen above Washington on July 31, 2015. The next blue moon will not be seen until January 2018.(AFP)
  • A plane pass through the Blue Moon as it rises over the skyline of New York City from West Orange in New Jersey on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
    A plane pass through the Blue Moon as it rises over the skyline of New York City from West Orange in New Jersey on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
  • The moon is seen above Washington on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
    The moon is seen above Washington on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
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  • People watch the Blue Moon while it rises over the skyline of New York City from West Orange in New Jersey on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
    People watch the Blue Moon while it rises over the skyline of New York City from West Orange in New Jersey on July 31, 2015.(AFP)
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