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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Alasdair Clark

Halloween 2020: Rare blue moon to light up the sky for first time in decades

Skywatchers will be treated to a "once in a blue moon" event this Halloween as the spooky night sky will be light up by a full Moon.

Its the first time we've seen a full moon on October 31 in decades, with the last one in 2001 according to experts.

2020 will see 13 full moon events before the year is over, with two in October alone.

Whilst the moon won't actually be blue on Halloween, the second one in a single month is traditionally known as a blue moon because it's so rare.

And it will be last time we see it on Halloween until around 2039, with the event only happening every 19 years or so according to NASA.

The moon will also be a "micro moon" - a full moon that occurs when it is exceptionally far away from Earth.

And luckily, people in Europe are expected to get a good view of the event, so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it as part of your Halloween activities.

Because it is so big, you are also more likely to see it in the city where light pollution can sometimes cause problems when it comes to skywatching.

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Even the 2001 example was technically a full moon according to the Weather Network, because it didn't reach its full phase until after midnight.

In fact, you have to go back in the history book to 1944 to find the last "official" full moon on Halloween, the website said.

Don't forget, we'd love to see your pictures. Send them to news@edinburghlive.co.uk

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