Rare Blue Moon to be Visible on 31 October on Halloween

Image used for representation only.

(Photo Courtesy: Red Huber)

This year’s Halloween will be more spooky than usual, with the majority of the world already wearing masks, and people will also witness a Blue Moon on Saturday, 31 October. The last time such a phenomenon happened was 1944 and the next one will be in 2039!!

A Blue Moon occurs about seven times every 19 years. The Blue Moon on Halloween is the second full moon after 1 October.

The Blue Moon on Halloween night will appear near the red planet Mars. If you are lucky, you may be able to see it if the skies are clear and the pollution levels are low.

Halloween traditionally originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve and after known as Halloween.

With time, Halloween involved certain activities like donning costumes, going trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings and planning meals to commemorate the day.

This year has been extra special for sky-watchers since we have witnessed 13 full moons, including three super moons, four lunar eclipses and also a Blue Moon.

On 30 November, we will see the Frosty Moon and Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. To sign off this year, we will witness a full moon, also known as a Cold Moon, as the temperature dips sharply in the month of December for the Northern Hemisphere.