It has pulled the sailor across the darkened sea. It has lit the majestic mountains in the middle of the night. It has been the focal point of culture and conversation for centuries. It is the moon.  Tonight those who dare might find themselves bathed in the light of a not so common occurrence. What exactly is a Blue Moon? What do I need to do to keep my family safe?

For the definition let's call upon the space exploration experts at NASA. The "blue moon" is not so much a function of the heavens as it is a function of the way man tells time. We have twelve months in a year. The phase cycle of the moon is 28 days. Most months have 30 or 31 days so over time the lunar cycle and the calendar months line up to where there are thirteen full moons in a 12 month year. That second full moon of one calendar month is called the blue moon.

The term blue moon really has nothing to do with color. If the clouds are not blocking your view tonight you won't notice any blue at all unless you're viewing the moon through  an older persons hair.

Is your family safe during the time of the blue moon? They are about as safe as they are during the time of a new moon, quarter moon, waxing gibbous, or crescent moon phase. It's just a full moon, so there could be some crazy people out there. There may be a few more critters roaming the woodland and garbage disposal areas too.

I think we as people need the moonlight. It's great for poets, dreamers, drunks, and lovers. We all find a little bit of ourselves when we dare to speak to the man in the moon and tell him all of our inner secrets.  It's like the song says, Can't Fight The Moonlight.

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