History of Blue moon in Timeline
A "blue moon" is a non-scientific term that has a few different meanings. It can refer to the second full moon within a single calendar month. Alternatively, it can refer to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. Finally, it can refer to a moon that appears blue because of dust or smoke in the atmosphere.
1907: Birth of Laurence J. Lafleur
Laurence J. Lafleur, who would later play a role in popularizing the term "blue moon" by citing the Maine Farmers' Almanac, is born.
July 11, 1911: Robert Falcon Scott's Blue Moon Observation
Explorer Robert Falcon Scott, during his Antarctic expedition, noted a "vague blue" moon amidst snowy conditions, indicating the potential for ice particles to influence the moon's color.
November 1915: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
The August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac cited November 21, 1915, as an example of a blue moon, further fueling the debate and analysis surrounding the term's historical usage and meaning.
1915: Unique Year with Four Blue Moons
The year 1915 witnessed an unusual celestial phenomenon, marked by the occurrence of four blue moons. This included two Pruett blue moons, one Maine blue moon, and one astro-seasonal blue moon.
August 1918: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
The August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac included August 22, 1918, as an instance of a blue moon, contributing to the ongoing discussions and investigations into the historical context and definition of the term.
May 1921: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
May 21, 1921, was mentioned as a blue moon example in the August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac, adding another layer to the ongoing debate and research surrounding the historical usage and understanding of the term.
February 1924: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
The August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac cited February 20, 1924, as an example of a blue moon. This citation further fueled discussions and research regarding the historical use and meaning of the term.
November 1934: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
November 21, 1934, was cited as a blue moon example in the August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac, adding another layer to the ongoing debate and research surrounding the historical usage and understanding of the term.
1934: Year with Three Blue Moons: One of Each Type
In 1934, a unique celestial event occurred with the appearance of three blue moons, each adhering to a different definition: Pruett, Maine, and astro-seasonal.
August 1937: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
August 22, 1937, was mentioned as a blue moon example in the August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac, contributing to the ongoing discussions and investigations into the historical context and definition of the term.
1937: H.P. Trefethen and the Term "Blue Moon"
The term "blue moon," potentially coined by H.P. Trefethen, was introduced in the Maine Farmer's Almanac around 1937. Trefethen served as the editor during this period.
1937: First Recorded Use of "Blue Moon" in Maine Farmers' Almanac
The term "blue moon" emerges in the Maine Farmers' Almanac, marking its first documented appearance in a calendrical context. However, the meaning differed slightly from its common usage today.
1937: The Maine Farmers' Almanac and the Origin of the Calendrical "Blue Moon"
The 1937 Maine Farmers’ Almanac is identified as the source of the calendrical term "blue moon." There's no prior evidence of its use in this context, and it might have been coined by the editor. The term's popularity surged in the mid-1980s in the U.S. and globally in the late 1990s due to the approaching millennium.
1937: Maine Farmers' Almanac and the Uncertain Origin of "Blue Moon"
The 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac used the term "blue moon." However, the exact source of this usage remains unclear, with speculation pointing toward a possible invention by the editor, H.P. Trefethen.
1937: The Maine Farmers' Almanac's Unique "Blue Moon" Definition
The 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac presented a distinctive definition of "blue moon" applicable only to specific months. This definition contrasts with the later, more common interpretation.
1937: Deciphering the "Maine Rule" for Blue Moons
Researchers analyze the 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac and deduce the "Maine rule" for blue moons, which linked the term to an extra full moon within a season rather than a calendar month. This rule contrasts with the later popular interpretation put forth by Pruett.
1937: Introduction of "Seasonal Blue Moon" Term
In 1937, the term "seasonal blue moon" emerged in popular astronomy, sometimes referred to as the "true" or "traditional" rule, although its historical accuracy is debated. This rule distinguished itself from "calendar blue moons" defined by Pruett.
1937: Doubts and Analysis of the 1937 "Blue Moon" Claim
Doubts arise around the 1937 "blue moon" claim, suggesting it may have been a hoax or misinformation. Despite the lack of historical evidence linking extra moons to bad luck, the accurate calculation of full moons played a crucial role in determining the date of Easter.
May 1940: Blue Moon Example in 1937 Almanac
The August 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac used May 21, 1940, as an example of a blue moon, further fueling the debate and analysis surrounding the term's historical usage and meaning.
July 1943: Laurence J. Lafleur Cites Maine Farmers' Almanac
In July 1943, Laurence J. Lafleur referenced the Maine Farmers' Almanac's definition of "blue moon" in Sky & Telescope magazine, responding to a reader's inquiry about the term's meaning. This citation further solidified the almanac's role in shaping the understanding of "blue moon."
August 1945: Discrepancy in Maine Farmer's Almanac
In August 1945, an inconsistency was observed between the Maine rule and the printed blue moon date in the Maine Farmer's Almanac. This discrepancy is attributed to the potential use of the apparent sun instead of the mean sun in calculations.
March 1946: James Hugh Pruett Cites Almanac in Sky & Telescope
James Hugh Pruett, in March 1946, cited the Maine Farmers' Almanac in Sky & Telescope, offering his interpretation of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month. This interpretation would go on to gain widespread acceptance.
1946: James Hugh Pruett's Interpretation of "Blue Moon"
Amateur astronomer James Hugh Pruett puts forward his understanding of "blue moon," defining it as the second full moon within a calendar month. This interpretation, although a departure from the Almanac's definition, would later gain significant traction.
1946: Pruett's Misinterpretation of the "Blue Moon"
Donald W. Olson's research reveals that James Hugh Pruett's 1946 definition of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month was a misinterpretation of the original concept presented in the 1937 Maine Farmers' Almanac.
1946: Pruett's Interpretation and the Popularization of the Modern "Blue Moon"
James Hugh Pruett's interpretation of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month gains momentum after its appearance in a 1946 Sky and Telescope article. This interpretation would later become the most widely accepted.
September 23, 1950: Blue Moon and Sun Observed After Canadian Fires
Following intense muskeg fires in Alberta, Canada, a blue-colored sun and moon were observed in Ontario, parts of the east coast of the United States, and even Britain. The phenomenon was attributed to the scattering of light by smoke particles.
1951: Blue Moon Sightings After Forest Fires
The occurrence of blue moons is reported in the wake of significant forest fires in Sweden and Canada. These sightings suggest a potential connection between large-scale fires and atmospheric conditions that lead to the moon appearing blue.
1955: James Hugh Pruett Passes Away
James Hugh Pruett, whose interpretation of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month gained widespread acceptance, passes away. His understanding of the term continues to shape how it is commonly used today.
1956: Conclusion of Blue Moon Mentions in Maine Farmer's Almanac
By 1956, the Maine Farmer's Almanac, under the editorship of H.P. Trefethen, ceased mentioning blue moon events. This cessation coincided with the end of Trefethen's tenure, suggesting a potential link between the term and the editor.
1957: The End of an Era: Henry Porter Trefethen Passes Away
Henry Porter Trefethen, the editor of the Maine Farmers' Almanac who potentially invented the calendrical term "blue moon," passes away. His legacy, however, continues to be debated among those studying the term's origins.
1961: Year with Two Pruett Blue Moons
The year 1961, similar to 1915 and other specific years, experienced the occurrence of two Pruett blue moons.
1962: End of Trefethen's Editorship and Blue Moon Mentions
The year 1962 marked the end of H.P. Trefethen's tenure as editor of the Maine Farmer's Almanac. Notably, after this year, mentions of blue moons, a term potentially coined by Trefethen, ceased to appear in the almanac.
January 31, 1980: "Blue Moon" on StarDate Radio Program
The term "blue moon," using Pruett's definition, is featured on the U.S. radio program StarDate, further boosting its recognition.
1980: Blue Moon Sightings Following Mount St. Helens Eruption
Following the eruption of Mount St. Helens, there were reported sightings of blue moons, suggesting a possible link between volcanic activity and this phenomenon.
1980: "Blue Moon" Gains Traction on StarDate Radio Program
The term "blue moon," employing Pruett's definition, is featured on the U.S. radio program StarDate, contributing to its growing recognition and acceptance.
1983: Blue Moon Sightings After El Chichón Eruption
The eruption of the El Chichón volcano in Mexico led to observations of blue moons, providing further evidence of a connection between volcanic eruptions and the appearance of blue moons.
1985: "Blue Moon" Explained in Children's Almanac
The Kids' World Almanac of Records and Facts features an explanation of "blue moon," defining it as the second full moon in a month and highlighting its rarity.
1986: "Blue Moon" in Trivial Pursuit
The term "blue moon" is included as a question in the Trivial Pursuit game, solidifying its place in popular culture.
1986: "Blue Moon" Makes Its Way into Trivial Pursuit
The term "blue moon" is incorporated as a question in the Trivial Pursuit game, likely drawing from the definition provided in the children's almanac, further solidifying its presence in popular culture.
1988: Upcoming "Blue Moon" Receives Extensive Media Coverage
An approaching "blue moon" garners widespread attention and coverage from the press, marking a significant moment in the term's journey into mainstream consciousness.
1991: Blue Moon Reports Linked to Mount Pinatubo
Reports emerge of blue moons following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, strengthening the observed correlation between volcanic events and the occurrence of blue moons.
1997: "Blue Moon" Movie Released in Taiwan
A Taiwanese movie titled "Blue Moon" is released, featuring a storyline that revolves around the second full moon in a month and the belief that wishing upon it grants second chances.
1999: Philip Hiscock Presents "Blue Moon" Timeline
Folklorist Philip Hiscock presents a chronological timeline for the calendrical term "blue moon," tracing its origins and evolution in popular culture.
1999: Analysis of Blue Moon Mentions in Maine Farmer's Almanac
Researchers Olson, Fienberg, and Sinnott conducted an analysis of the Maine Farmer's Almanac in 1999. Their study, spanning issues from 1819 to 1962, aimed to verify the occurrences of blue moons as documented in the publication.
1999: Year with Two Pruett Blue Moons
The year 1999, along with other years like 1915 and 1961, witnessed the presence of two Pruett blue moons.
1999: Astronomers Investigate "Blue Moon" Origins
U.S. astronomer Donald W. Olson, along with Richard T Fienberg and Roger W. Sinnott, delves into the historical origins of the term "blue moon." They publish their findings in Sky & Telescope, shedding light on the term's evolution.
December 31, 2009: New Year's Eve Pruett Blue Moon and Time Zones
On December 31, 2009, a noteworthy celestial event took place: a Pruett blue moon coincided with New Year's Eve in time zones located west of UTC+05.
2018: Year with Two Pruett Blue Moons
The year 2018, similar to years like 1915 and 1961, featured the occurrence of two Pruett blue moons.
2028: New Year's Eve Pruett Blue Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse
The year 2028 is projected to witness a rare convergence of celestial events. On New Year's Eve, a Pruett blue moon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse, observable in time zones west of UTC+08.
2037: Year with Two Pruett Blue Moons
The year 2037 is projected to have two instances of Pruett blue moons, similar to certain other years in history.
2048: Year with Three Blue Moons: One of Each Type
Similar to 1934, the year 2048 is projected to witness three blue moons, each classified under a distinct type: Pruett, Maine, and astro-seasonal.
2094: Year with Two Pruett Blue Moons
The year 2094 is anticipated to have two occurrences of Pruett blue moons, aligning with patterns observed in specific previous years.