Rare 'Blue Moon' to awe sky-watchers on Halloween night

On Halloween night, October 31, Filipinos will have the chance to see the rare "Blue Moon" — if Typhoon Rolly will not spoil it, that is.

An Unang Balita report on Friday, citing PAGASA, said a "Blue Moon" occurs whenever two full moons appear in a single month — something that happens every 2 1/2 to 3 years on the average.

"The second full Moon is called a 'Blue Moon'," PAGASA said.

The first full moon occurred on October 2.

PAGASA said the phrase has nothing with the actual color of the moon.

It however added that a literal "blue moon" — or the moon appearing with a tinge of blue — "may occur in certain atmospheric conditions; e.g., when there are volcanic eruptions or when exceptionally large fires leave particles in the atmosphere."

Although a Western tradition, Filipinos have since adopted to Halloween, associating October 31 with all sorts of spooky and supernatural things.

Halloween parties and Trick or Treats have also become the norm in the Philippines, although they were prohibited this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. —KBK, GMA News