Community Corner

Blue Moon Friday: Where to Watch

Friday will be the last chance to see the "blue moon" for another three years.

Friday marks the end of August, the start of the Labor Day weekend and the appearance of a blue moon for the last time until 2015.

When you look up at the sky Friday night you won’t actually see a moon that is blue in color but instead a full moon. It is called a “blue moon” because it is the second full moon in a month, according to EarthSky, which mentions other definitions of the term.

“It’s very rare that you would see a blue-colored moon, although unusual sky conditions — certain-sized particles of dust or smoke — can create them,” EarthSky notes.

Find out what's happening in Arcadiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So maybe you won’t see a blue-colored moon Friday, but a full moon can still be quite stunning and gazing at one is a pretty nice way to end the summer, especially with the warm weather we’ve been having.

And what better way to pay tribute to ?

Find out what's happening in Arcadiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where to Watch the Blue Moon

According to the Dark Sky Finder website, Arcadia is located right along the edge of the higher light pollution area created by the dense population of the metro Los Angeles area.

That means that while light pollution may be a problem when it comes to viewing items in the sky, the nearby San Gabriel Mountains mean Arcadia residents have some of the best chances for good celestial viewing in the Los Angeles area.

Some areas have less streetlights than other areas of town, though the surrounding mountains can block some viewing angles.

Are you planning to watch the "blue moon"? Where's a good spot in Arcadia for moon gazing?

Reza Gostar also contributed to this piece.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Arcadia