SouthCoast Will Experience A Blue Moon In 2023

How often does the SouthCoast experience a blue moon?

Once in a blue moon, of course.

The area will get that opportunity in the next calendar year.

Not to be confused with the Election Day 2022 blood moon in which the Earth's orb actually appears red due to a lunar eclipse, the blue moon is not blue.

In recent years folks seem to have taken a greater interest in weather and natural phenomenon. There are multiple cable television channels dedicated to the weather. The phases of the moon and such factor into their reporting.

As a result, we've learned about "super moons" and have grown interested in stargazing and things that amazed the early astronomers and others before television and neon lights diverted our attention away from the night sky.

When full moons, particularly "super moons," are on the rise, photographers and adventure seekers can be seen lining the east-facing beaches of New Bedford and all over Southern New England to catch a glimpse. Social media homepages are filled with snaps.

While there were only 12 full moons in 2022, there will be 13 in 2023. In August next year, there will be two full moons. When two full moons occur in the same month the second is referred to as a blue moon.

On Aug. 1, 2023, the full sturgeon moon will illuminate the night sky here on the SouthCoast. The full blue moon will rise on Aug. 30, 2023.

The phenomenon known as a blue moon occurs only once every 32 months. But according to SkyandTelescope.org, the expression "once in a blue moon" may have less to do with measuring time and more to do with it being a sarcastic response used by smartasses hundreds of years ago.

Who knew?

Here is a complete list of all of the full moons for 2023 and when they will occur.